Stop well wishers Around The World sent messages of support to sir captain tom moore who remains in hospital with coronavirus and pneumonia. Hospital with coronavirus and pneumonia hospital with coronavirus and pneumonia. Hospital with coronavirus and neumonia. ,. , pneumonia. Over the last ten months ou have pneumonia. Over the last ten months you have been pneumonia. Over the last ten months you have been our pneumonia. Over the last ten months you have been our inspiration, pneumonia. Over the last ten months you have been our inspiration, the. You have been our inspiration, the nations heartbeat. We all thinking of you. Tens of thousands of people in parts of england are to be urgently tested, after more cases of the highly transmissible South African Variant Of Coronavirus were discovered. Two cases were found in surrey, and testing kits will be delivered there this afternoon. Testing will also take place in london, kent, hertfordshire and walsall. Previous cases in the uk were traced back to south africa. Our Health Correspondent Catherine Burns told me more about where in england the South African Variant is believed to be spreading. So the areas we are talking about, woking and egham in surrey, ealing and haringey in london, walsall. In hertfordshire, broxburn and in certain parts of kent. They are the areas we have had confirmed. We are expecting others to be added to the list possibly somewhere in the North West Of England and the east of england, so the big question now is what is the scale of this, and we dont have any certain numbers but we think the numbers are very small. For example, in ealing, they say that one person tested positive for the South African Variant at the end of last month. In surrey, they are talking about two cases, but its very important to stop this and extracts. So People Living fair, or at least in certain neighbourhoods, will be offered Mobile Testing. The government is sending in Mobile Testing units, and also in surrey they are posting through the letterbox pcr test, saying if you have symptoms or not please get tested. This is really important because officials need to know the true sense of scale and they need to stop this variant in its tracks. Mit . Stop this variant in its tracks. Why the worry. Stop this variant in its tracks. Why the worry. When stop this variant in its tracks. Why the worry, when the stop this variant in its tracks. Why the worry, when the vaccines, it seems, to protect us . The worry, when the vaccines, it seems, to protect us . Yeah, the first thing seems, to protect us . Yeah, the first thing we seems, to protect us . Yeah, the first thing we need seems, to protect us . Yeah, the first thing we need to seems, to protect us . Yeah, the first thing we need to say seems, to protect us . Yeah, the first thing we need to say about. First thing we need to say about this variant is there is no evidence it makes it any more sick. The worry though is that it spreads more quickly and more people become sick. Weve seen it with the uk variant that has been spreading since sort of the end of last year, but the vaccines there is some early data saying that the vaccines, they dont work like an on and off switch, its not like they work or they dont work, there are sliding scales. So we think that maybe there will be about 60 effective against this variant. To give you some context, thatis variant. To give you some context, that is less than other variants but the World Health Organisation when it set out aiming to make a vaccine, the deadline was 50 , so its better than that. Lets speak now to drjulian tang, consultant virologist at leicester royal infirmary. Good afternoon to you. Afternoon. The concern good afternoon to you. Afternoon. The concern seems good afternoon to you. Afternoon. The concern seems to good afternoon to you. Afternoon. The concern seems to be good afternoon to you. Afternoon. The concern seems to be that good afternoon to you. Afternoon. The concern seems to be that the | the concern seems to be that the cases they the concern seems to be that the cases they have the concern seems to be that the cases they have found the concern seems to be that the cases they have found is the concern seems to be that the cases they have found is not the concern seems to be that the l cases they have found is not linked to any travel, so what does that tell you . To any travel, so what does that tell ou . A. , to any travel, so what does that tell ou . ,. ,. , tell you . Bacca this variant was found in the tell you . Bacca this variant was found in the uk tell you . Bacca this variant was found in the ukjust tell you . Bacca this variant was found in the ukjust a tell you . Bacca this variant was found in the ukjust a few tell you . Bacca this variant wasl found in the ukjust a few weeks tell you . Bacca this variant was found in the ukjust a few weeks ago found in the uk just a few weeks ago in small numbers but we know because the virus transmits a symptomatically, to find and identify these positives, they will probably be like two to three or even five times as many as those cases are that we know about because we know that this virus spreads pre symptomatically and mostly a symptomatically as well, so it wouldnt surprise me if this isjust the Tip Of The Iceberg that is evolving at the moment. find the Tip Of The Iceberg that is evolving at the moment. And howkins concern should evolving at the moment. And howkins concern should be evolving at the moment. And howkins concern should be be evolving at the moment. And howkins concern should be be by evolving at the moment. And howkins concern should be be by that, concern should be be by that, because as we have heard, it is not just more how concerned should we be by that, because it is not more dangerous but it is more transmissible. It dangerous but it is more transmissible. Dangerous but it is more transmissible. It is spreading across south transmissible. It is spreading across south africa transmissible. It is spreading across south africa at transmissible. It is spreading across south africa at the transmissible. It is spreading across south africa at the moment, and the studies shown on it suggest and the studies shown on it suggest a six fold reduction in the efficacy of vaccines against this variant, mainly because of the four h four k mutation, i suspect. Mainly because of the four h four k mutation, isuspect. Im mainly because of the four h four k mutation, i suspect. Mutation, i suspect. Im going to sto ou mutation, i suspect. Im going to stop you there mutation, i suspect. Im going to stop you there because mutation, i suspect. Im going to stop you there because you mutation, i suspect. Im going to stop you there because you lost. Mutation, i suspect. Im going to. Stop you there because you lost me. The E484k Mutation is probably recognised to be the most impactful mutation of this variant which also exists in the brazilian variant as well. It doesnt exist in the uk variant, which is why the vaccines rolling out in the uk are just as efficacious. But we expect to see a drop in the South African Variant and the brazilian variant that is here. ~. , and the brazilian variant that is here. ~. , and the brazilian variant that is here. ~. , ~ and the brazilian variant that is here. ~. , ~ jun here. When we hear figures like 8096 effica is here. When we hear figures like 8096 efficacy is good. Here. When we hear figures like 8096 efficacy is good. At here. When we hear figures like 8096 efficacy is good, at what here. When we hear figures like 8096 efficacy is good, at what point here. When we hear figures like 8096 efficacy is good, at what point does l efficacy is good, at what point does that percentage spelt possible trouble . 50 that percentage spelt possible trouble . , � that percentage spelt possible trouble . , trouble . So dont forget the vaccine is not the only trouble . So dont forget the vaccine is not the only defence trouble . So dont forget the vaccine is not the only defence we trouble . So dont forget the vaccine is not the only defence we have. Is not the only defence we have. Once we get exposed the vaccine will neutralise any virus we can, but our own system will kick in as well so the vaccine is like an initial defence barrier, and then our own Immune System will kick in and start to help to neutralise the virus but it will take some time. So i think the Vaccination Programme should still be effective, it should still continue, people should still be observing social distancing, masking and the normal precautions we are doing already, butjust more so because this is a more transmissible variant, and try and stay home, indoors, and make thosejourneys only essential, just to reduce the spread of this variant. Share only essential, just to reduce the spread of this variant. Spread of this variant. Are we overreacting spread of this variant. Are we overreacting to spread of this variant. Are we overreacting to this, spread of this variant. Are we overreacting to this, because | spread of this variant. Are we i overreacting to this, because all viruses create their own variance . Yeah, so i have been a biologist for 20 years across Different Countries Around The World and i have seen lots of different virologist, i have seen lots of different viruses, and they mutate and change all the time, both phenotypically and phenotypically. Juno typically is when you do the sequencing, phenotypically as when they interact with human beings. There will be another variant coming may be three to six months later, and there is always some rumour about israeli and german variance, because as it adapts to the human population, and dont forget most of the people in the world have not been affected by the world have not been affected by the virus yet, perhaps just 20 , so we still have a long way to go until this virus settles, adapts and reaches some kind of symbiosis with the human population. Bud reaches some kind of symbiosis with the human population. The human population. And at what oint does the human population. And at what point does the the human population. And at what point does the vaccine the human population. And at what point does the vaccine make the human population. And at what point does the vaccine make a point does the vaccine make a difference, and whether it is through Herd Immunity or however it does, how many months away on current trends, lets just talk about the uk because they do seem to be a better Vaccination Programme here than many, how many months would you give it before you would say we are beginning to get on top of this . 50 say we are beginning to get on top of this . ,. ,. ,. ,. , of this . So a lot of the models and estimates that of this . So a lot of the models and estimates that assume of this . So a lot of the models and estimates that assume that of this . So a lot of the models and estimates that assume that the of this . So a lot of the models and l estimates that assume that the virus doesnt change in any spectacular way but now we are seeing some reduced efficacy with the virus changing sporadically from time to time, so if we are assuming that 70 to 80 may be all may be back vaccinated by autumn, that may be true, but it may have a different level of efficacy against different variants that may be Co Circulating and by autumn we dont know if we will have a much bigger population of south african and brazilian and uk variance Co Circulating together, which have different responses to the vaccine. So i think we should be cautious and maintain the physical non pharmaceutical interventions as much as possible while we figure out what is going on. We cant get ahead of the virus, we are always following, so those estimates will probably be over estimates, given the level of the virus missing at the level of the virus missing at the moment. So may be by christmas rather than autumn we may get towards a more robust level of Herd Immunity for these different variance Co Circulating together. Christmas . I variance cocirculating together. Christmas . Variance cocirculating together. Christmas . ,. ,. ,. , christmas . I suspect so, yes. I am a virologist. Christmas . I suspect so, yes. I am a virologist. Im christmas . I suspect so, yes. I am a virologist, im allowed christmas . I suspect so, yes. I am a virologist, im allowed to christmas . I suspect so, yes. I am a virologist, im allowed to be virologist, im allowed to be pessimistic. I think the virus will keep Mutating Overtime in the current vaccines we have at the moment are designed for the wild type, the wuhan chinese virus, but as it goes on, it will change and mutate, and it will affect the efficacy. So im guessing we will have more robust by christmas. Itll be another major milestone in the battle against coronavirus. Data to be published later this afternoon is expected to show that every older resident in eligible care homes in england has now been offered a covid jab. The Vaccination Programme across the uk is continuing to accelerate. Nine Million People have now had theirfirst dose. Our Health Correspondent jim reed reports. Vaccination day, come on vaccination day at this care home in somerset. And they are upbeat. How you feeling, barbara . All right. Looking forward to it. Youre looking forward to it, are you . A third of all deaths from covid have taken place in care homes, so the government is calling today a milestone. Were very pleased that weve been able to give all elderly care home residents, virtually all elderly care home residents have now been. Given their first jab or a slot fortheirfirst jab, and thats very important for getting the spread of the virus down, getting the Serious Illnessl and the fatality down. Looking across the uk, in scotland 94 of residents have now had their first jab and 80 of staff. Wales has now given a first dose to 74 of residents and 78 of staff, and in Northern Ireland, 80 of residents have now had both doses of a vaccine. But in england there have been concerns about some care home workers. The government appears to have missed its target to offer a jab to all staff by the end of january. Some of it is to do with access, and that is that people are just not able to get to where they needed to go to. If theyve been coming into the care homes, the gps have not had enough vaccine for the staff as well, theyve just got enough for the residents, which was the priority, and some of it is to do with cultural issues. Some is that people just dont want to have the vaccine. Squeeze a little bit tight. Here at this home in cheltenham, all residents will need a second jab in 12 weeks time before they are fully protected. You feel totally different because you feel you are getting somewhere and getting on the way to, you know, being free. Whether it works out or not is another thing, but it is worth a try. There are now calls to speed up the roll out of the booster dose, to allow homes to restart full face to face visits as soon as possible. People arent just dying of covid, they are dying of loneliness in their Tens Of Thousands. Thats why it is so important those visits can restart as quickly as possible and feel potentially the second dose is an important step along the way. For Tens Of Thousands, though, this is a positive day. Not the end of the pandemic by any means, but a real step towards what should be a more normal life. Jim reed, bbc news. Our Political Correspondent iain watson has more on the governments Vaccine Rollout and their handling of the coronavirus crisis. And of course its only last week that that rather grim landmark took shape, io0,000 that that rather grim landmark took shape, 100,000 people dying within 28 days of a covid positive test, raising questions about how the government had handled the crisis. Better news this week, though, because britain is a Global Leader when it comes to vaccinations, and recent polls have suggested that on this aspect of the crisis, people are satisfied with progress. Now, Downing Street are maintaining the Prime Minister has delivered on the promise he made onjanuary seven to offer every care home resident in england a vaccine by the end of last month, by yesterday, although they do say of course that where there has been outbreaks in care homes this of course hasnt happened. But the much bigger challenge is his target for the 15th of february, just two weeks time, all the over 70s, clinically extremely vulnerable people, Health Care Staff are supposed to be offered a vaccine by then, and if that happens, then a week later he intends to set out a slow and steady path out of lockdown. But it was interesting today that for somebody who is seen very much as a Glass Half Full type of politician, the Prime Minister was warning us that in fact we will be living with covid for a very long time to come. So certainly he has succeeded to some extent on the first target on care home vaccinations, but we do have a very long way to get out of lockdown entirely, and this Afternoon Labour are calling the government to have tighter control over borders. Iain watson there. Imean story is the our main story is the South African Variant of the Coronavirus Circulating in england. In london, w seven, n 17 and cr four. In the West Midlands, it is the postcode ws two. In the south east, m e 15, the postcode ws two. In the south east, m e15, and ge 21. In the east of england, its en ten, and in the north west its the postcode pr nine. All those details will be on the website as well. Dr Mike Tildesley is a professor of Infectious Disease modelling at the university of warwick. Good to talk to you again. As a model, when you hear ofjust as a model, when you hear ofjust as a model, when you hear ofjust as a model, when you hear ofjust a handful of cases of the South African Variant in parts of england, how do you model things from there over the next few weeks, how does that pan out . I over the next few weeks, how does that pan out . That pan out . I got to say in the very early that pan out . I got to say in the very early stages that pan out . I got to say in the very early stages when that pan out . I got to say in the very early stages when you that pan out . I got to say in the very early stages when you onlyj that pan out . I got to say in the very early stages when you only have a few cases actually, the models arent really that useful, in terms of predictions. This is where you really need work on the ground to try and trace those people because my contacts, and gather as much information out in the field, as it were, as possible. The models really come into their own a little bit further down the line when we have more data. Lets say if this South African Variant was actively spreading in the population and we had a lot more data on that, thats when the models become much more into their own, in terms of longer term predictions, but right now what we need to do is get as much data on this as possible, try and work out how much is circulating in the population, and then were in a much better position to predict where we might become using the models. Hagar might become using the models. How likel is it might become using the models. How likely is it there might become using the models. How likely is it there will be a similar pattern to the uk variant which affected a small area in the before. We have seen that go global since. So how much can you predict on this from that . ,. , so how much can you predict on this from that . ,. , from that . Etoo i would say it is robabl from that . Etoo i would say it is probably highly from that . Etoo i would say it is probably highly likely, from that . Etoo i would say it is probably highly likely, sadly. From that . Etoo i would say it is| probably highly likely, sadly. The problem with the coronavirus is we know that this is lag. We always talk about this, when you see cases, these individuals were probably infected up to a couple of weeks ago, so we are always a little bit behind the curve unfortunately, and we only need to wind back 12 months when we were starting to get the first case is emerging in the uk. These were dribbling in, one or two at a time to start with, but then very quickly they started to grow. So i would suspect the fact that we do have early evidence that we are getting Community Spread of this South African Variant may mean that in a few weeks time we may start to see many more cases spreading. The difficulty with this particular variant is the transmissibility that is the issue. Variant is the transmissibility that is the issue is the issue. Absolutely, and of course we is the issue. Absolutely, and of course we have is the issue. Absolutely, and of course we have this is the issue. Absolutely, and of course we have this issue is the issue. Absolutely, and of course we have this issue with | is the issue. Absolutely, and of i course we have this issue with the kent variant as it were that it was much more transmissible, so even if as appears to be the case with the South African Variant you are not more likely to develop severe symptoms, the fact it is more transmissible means that people get infected at a faster rate, so it means that people then sadly go into hospital at a faster rate with the original variants that were circulating earlier last year. So as you have orally been discussing on your programme, the concern about how protected the vaccines may be against this South African Variant as well. ,. , as well. Yeah, because we were heafina as well. Yeah, because we were hearing a as well. Yeah, because we were Hearing A Suspicion as well. Yeah, because we were Hearing A Suspicion that this as well. Yeah, because we were Hearing A Suspicion that this is l as well. Yeah, because we were l Hearing A Suspicion that this is the Tip Of The Iceberg. Tip of the iceberg. Well, absolutely. Tip of the iceberg. Well, absolutely. It Tip Of The Iceberg. Well, absolutely. It is Tip Of The Iceberg. Well, l absolutely. It is important Tip Of The Iceberg. Well, absolutely. It is important to realise that this is what happens with viruses, sadly. They mutate all the time, we only have to look at influenza, every year we have to have a new seasonal flu vaccine to protect against whatever may be circulating at that time and it may be in the longer term something has to be done similarly with the coronavirus, that new vaccines have to be developed to protect against whatever is circulating in the variance we have seen emerge in the last few months are really indicative of the what may be the long term behaviour of this pandemic. I longterm behaviour of this pandemic longterm behaviour of this andemic. ~. ,. , pandemic. I know you and some colleagues pandemic. I know you and some colleagues put pandemic. I know you and some colleagues put out pandemic. I know you and some colleagues put out a pandemic. I know you and some colleagues put out a paper pandemic. I know you and some colleagues put out a paper last l colleagues put out a paper last week, it was entitled when can the uk relax about covid 19 . What was your conclusion . Uk relax about covid19 . What was your conclusion . Your conclusion . Well, i will say with that there your conclusion . Well, i will say with that there is your conclusion . Well, i will say with that there is a your conclusion . Well, i will say with that there is a lot your conclusion . Well, i will say with that there is a lot of with that there is a lot of uncertainty around that because it is dependent on a couple of key things, how many people can we vaccinate per week and actually the numbers are going up quite significantly over the last few weeks, and secondly the really important one is uptake. When we get to the lower age groups, are we going to get the same levels of uptake of the vaccine that we have had in the larger age groups, in the older age groups . If we can get high levels of uptake then hopefully we can ease out a little bit sooner, but i think when we do start to relax our interventions, it does need to be Done Gradually because otherwise we will be likely to see another resurgence as we move into the late spring, early summer. I dont know if you heard drjulian tang, but he says he doesnt see things relaxing until christmas. I really hope that is not the case, i would like to see us in a position that we could have a slightly more normal summer. That we could have a slightly more normalsummer. If that we could have a slightly more normal summer. If we do get really good uptake and it would keep the number of doses rolling out, following the same trajectory, then hopefully, if im being a little bit more optimistic thanjulian tang, hopefully by the summer we can relax somewhat and we can start to get a little bit more back to normal. Does that mean travel . Little bit more back to normal. Does that mean travel . I little bit more back to normal. Does that mean travel . I think that mean travel . I think international that mean travel . I think International Travel that mean travel . I think International Travel will l that mean travel . I thinkl International Travel will be that mean travel . I think i International Travel will be a that mean travel . I think International Travel will be a very difficult one to be perfectly honest, and that will be extremely restrictive for some time to come. We know that even if we have a high level of immunity in our own population through vaccination, the same is not going to be true of many other countries Around The World, and if International Borders open significantly, then there is the risk of reintroduction, so i would suspect domestically we could be on the road to normal by the summer but International Travel might be a little bit further down the road. Dr mike tyldesley, thank you so much for your time. The European Commission has admitted it made a mistake by triggering article 16 of the Northern Ireland protocol on friday over its vaccine row with astrazeneca. Speaking to reporters, a spokesperson for the Eu Commission justified the mistake by saying only the pope is infallible, and the error was quickly rectified. Our europe correspondent gavin lee has more from brussels. Its europe correspondent gavin lee has more from brussels. More from brussels. Its the first Time Commission more from brussels. Its the first Time Commission officials more from brussels. Its the first Time Commission officials have. Time Commission Officials have publicly said what went wrong last week. This intense row with astrazeneca, in which the company could not keep to its vaccine contract, suspicion in brussels that it was shorting the eu effectively from its belgian plants, sneaking vaccines to the uk. In fact it had to be raided to that and then ultimately setting about an announcement of on friday to stop exporting, and then at one point putting on this measure which would see a border with ireland, with checks in places to stop the vaccine being brought to Northern Ireland. So we had from the Commission Spokesperson today, speaking for an hour, essentially, nota spokesperson today, speaking for an hour, essentially, not a mere culprit, more a justification saying it was a mistake, only the pope is infallible, he said, and the important thing is we justified this very quickly. So it is the first time the European Commission has acknowledged it went too far in this row with astrazeneca. Row with astrazeneca. Gavin lee in brussels. Row with astrazeneca. Gavin lee in brussels the row with astrazeneca. Gavin lee in brussels. The health row with astrazeneca. Gavin lee in brussels. The Health Secretary i row with astrazeneca. Gavin lee in l brussels. The Health Secretary matt hancock will be leading the coronavirus Downing Street briefing later today. You can watch special coverage from az30pm on bbc one and here on the bbc news channel. More details coming through from myanmar. We arejust Hearing Details coming through from myanmar. We are just hearing the ruling military have taken over in a coup, and they have in their words terminated 2a ministers, Deputy Ministers from their posts. That announcement coming on state television. This is as World Leaders are condemning the Military Coup in myanmar, where the army declared a year long State Of Emergency. The countrys political leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been arrested, three months after her party won a landslide in elections was that the army claims they were rigged. Jonathan head reports. The burmese people woke up this morning to see a tv announcer telling them the armed forces had seized power. This mp was one of dozens of politicalfigures rounded up in the hours before dawn. By daybreak, roads in the capital were being blocked by soldiers and armoured vehicles. Somewhere here, the burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi was being detained with the rest of her government. It is nothing short of outrageous, deeply disturbing. And i think what is important is for the International Community first and foremost speak out very clearly, very unequivocally this is unacceptable. Last november, Aung San Suu Kyi and her party were re elected in a landslide. Parliament was supposed to sit this morning to start formalising that victory. But the military had objected to alleged irregularities in the election after its own party had performed badly. The coup leader is Armed Forces Commander Min Aung Hlaing the general accused of genocide by the United Nations for his role in the expulsion of the Muslim Rohingya population three years ago. Back then, Aung San Suu Kyi defended the military, even testifying for them in the Genocide Tribunal in the hague, and so tarnishing her international reputation. Today she is back in military custody, as she was for many years. The Prime Minister borisjohnson was one of many leaders Around The World who condemned the coup. The military� s supporters are jubilant and happy to show it. But their party won only 6 of the seats contested in the election. Aung san suu kyis party won 13 times as many. Her supporters are staying low for now, but she has managed to put out a letter urging them to reject the coup. Translation the army assaulted i people as it carried out a coup i on the civilian government elected by our people. Our country is just a bird learning to fly to fly, now the army has broken our wings. For now, the soldiers are in charge, as they have been for so much of myanmar� s history. But where do they go from here . Unpopular and illegitimate in the eyes of many burmese, they have given themselves a year in power. After that, we just dont know. Jonathan head, bbc news, bangkok. Some Breaking News coming in from westminster, a reshuffle of the snp front bench has meant Thatjoanna Cherry has been sacked from her front bench role in the group, according to her twitter feed. She is a prominent feminist, she has been caught up over a massive row internally in the Snp About Gender Recognition and trans rights. She is seen as a potential leadership challenger to Nicola Sturgeon and was voted onto the partys and ec this year well ahead of fellow candidates. Last week, first minister Nicola Sturgeon was forced to intervene in the trans row after a number of young members left the snp over the issue and the perceived lack of handling over it. Joanna cherry has been sacked. More later from westminster. Thousands more retailjobs are at risk, after another online takeover. Asos has bought topshop, topman and miss selfridge, in a deal worth nearly £300 million. It has snapped up the stock and brands, but wont buy the stores. Itll mean more empty buildings on high streets across the uk. Heres our Business Correspondent emma simpson. Asos is growing fast, a Global Online powerhouse. It is thriving in this pandemic, now it has snapped up some of the biggest names on the high street. On the high street. We know these brands really well. We have traded them on our website for many years. We know this customer, we know this market and in fact these brands grew over 40 with us during the christmas period. We see this as a really natural thing. Why dont you want the stores . Asos was born digital native, it is e commerce only, we are really good at e commerce, stores are not our model. The stores are already closed but now they will never reopen. 7o were left, with some 2,500 job set to go. For many shoppers its the end of an era. Going to topshop was a Rite Of Passage for my generation, you could go shopping on your own, you went to topshop and it was the whole experience, walking through the doors, the store, the music, it was a cool place to go and very much part of my childhood. It also spells the end of sir philip greens retail empire, his Arcadia Group collapsed into Administration Last year after failing to keep up with changing shopping habits. The pandemic was just the final straw. Boo hoo is closing in on a deal to buy burton, Dorothy Perkins and wallis, his three remaining brands. If successful, they will go online only as well. I predicted many years ago fashion would be half online, half in stores. The high street is not dead at all, there are many high Street Stores that do a greatjob, the pandemic, we all had to endure, that has accelerated the shift. Retail is being reshaped, but the ripple effects for the high street will be felt far and wide, with heavy job losses, too. Emma simpson, bbc news. Coronavirus Test Certificates are becoming crucialfor people needing to travel between Different Countries at the moment. But europol is warning that criminals are exploiting the pandemic and putting Travellers Health at risk by selling fake negative Test Certificates. It comes as bbc news can reveal that counterfeit nhs certificates are also being sold online. Angus crawford reports. This is a covid test certificate. The holder is negative and fit to fly. Except they might not be, because it is a counterfeit. An Investigator Monitoring online forums used by criminal gangs. In some, Flight Tickets are bought and sold using stolen credit cards. And now they are also dealing in fake covid Test Certificates. These criminal organisations that have been previously providing Airline Tickets using stolen credit card information, they are providing a fuller service. So they are now being able to give you false nhs certificates, saying that you are fit to fly, that you have a negative covid test result. So this is like an Underground Travel Agency . Absolutely. And these guys have been operating for some time. Notjust in the uk, they operate on a global basis. Recently, a man was arrested outside Luton Airport on suspicion of selling fake fit to fly certificates. It is an issue the authorities right across europe are worried about. These measures have been put in place to ensure the security of the Public Health in the eu, and thats why, of course, authorities are worried, if there are organised crime groups that are jeopardising Public Health. Our investigation found notjust fake nhs certificates, but also ones sold abroad for people coming back to the uk. These look like they are from clinics in nigeria but they are also fakes. Crucially, if they are getting fake fit to fly certificates they may be carrying the virus. There is a very real risk of that, absolutely. Travellers cutting corners, criminals making money. If fit to fly is easy to fake, can these certificates really keep britain safe . Angus crawford, bbc news. Good afternoon. A little drier than yesterday, but a lot of cloud further south and west and some rain and hail snow across Northern Ireland. And despite more sunshine its not particularly warm out there this afternoon, and already we have Trouble Brewing to the south west. As this moves northwards, initially it will fall as rain in the slightly less cold south and west but it comes into that cold air from north wales, temporarily as no but for the midlands, east anglia and particularly northern eglin, the hills of Northern Ireland and scotland, there will be some appreciable snow building up at lower levels but very significant falls potentially through tonight and tomorrow over the hills as well, with temperatures close to freezing, it will be treacherously icy. Tomorrow it hardly moves, so places like the Central Lowlands, right the way down to the pennines, heavy showers, hailand way down to the pennines, heavy showers, hail and thunder following after some early sunshine but it is at least a little milder here in contrast. Urgent testing for the South African Variant of the coronavirus is being carried out in the east of england. A crucial milestone in the fight against coronavirus was top confirmation expected later today that all older residents in englands eligible care homes have been offered a vaccine. Detained in a coup. Myanmar� s Aung San Suu Kyi one of a number of political leaders held as the military takes control. Thousands ofjobs to go. Online retailer ace of Spies Topshop and three other brands but doesnt want their stores will stop well wishers Around The World sent messages of support to captain sir tom moore who remains in hospital with covid 19 and pneumonia. Time for the sport, it isjohn watson. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has called on social Media Companies to be stronger in tackling online racist abuse will stop Greater Manchester police opened an investigation after Marcus Rashford became the latest player to be targeted following his sides draw with arsenal on saturday. This way of discrimination on social media, we cant do a lot, can we, so we have to work with the platforms, and theyve got to be more stronger to make sure that we stop this. The duke of cambridge who is the president of the fa labelled the abuse despicable. It comes as the uk government plans to introduce new legislation to tackle racist abuse online. The pfa is leading calls for greater regulation. Hat online. The pfa is leading calls for greater regulation. Online. The pfa is leading calls for greater regulation. Not enough has been done greater regulation. Not enough has been done i greater regulation. Not enough has been done. I welcome greater regulation. Not enough has been done. I welcome facebooki greater regulation. Not enough has| been done. I welcome facebook and twitter making statements this weekend, but that feels very late in the day. We have been having conversations with them for many months before that. At one point, their advice was to say ask the players to report the abuse, well, thats not how it should work. These are multi billion industries and companies with resources to do far more than what they are doing now. Germany and australia have had legislation since 2018, 2019, which has involved fans of turnover for the social Media Companies. If they involves finds of turnover. Possible offences for senior executives. Liverpool could be the busiest club on transfer deadline day as the premier League Champions move to bring in some much needed defensive cover. Jurgen klopp looks set to sign ben davies from preston for around two million pounds, hes having a medical at the club and theyre keen to bring in another defender as well. Hes been without First Choice Centre backs Virgil Van Dijk and joe gomez, who are both injured, with Midfielderjordan Henderson having to fill in. Englands cricketers have been allowed out of quarantine in india, after the players whod arrived from sri lanka returned negative covid 19 test results. Theyll be able to train together as a full group for the first time tomorrow, with the opening test starting in chennai on friday. Ben stokes, jofra archer and rory burns have already been training, having arrived in india separately and they could soon be playing in front of fans, with reports that a 50 percent capacity crowd will be allowed in for the second test. We all want to play in front of crowds, thats for sure, but obviously it needs to be safe and we dont want to obviously be adding to a problem which is affecting the whole world. So if it is safe and good, then great, but yes, we obviously would love to play in front of crowds as soon as possible. Katie boulter began her season in impressive style, but she was the only briton to win in the various warm up events ahead of next weeks australian open. Boulter� s dropped to world number 371 after a long spell out with a back injury, this is only her second tour event in almost two years but she won in straight sets against anna kalinskaya, whos ranked 264 places above her. Tough match next she faces the american teenager coco gauff. Thats all the sport for now. Messages of support have flooded in for captain sir tom moore whos in hospital with coronavirus. The 100 year old Second World War veteran, who raised nearly £33 million for the nhs during the first lockdown, was admitted yesterday because he needed help with his breathing. John maguire reports. It all started as his way of thanking the nhs for looking after him, following a fall. Now captain sir tom moore, the record breaking fundraiser, is under its care once again. He is being treated for pneumonia and covid 19 at bedford hospital. His daughter hannah told us he had been receiving treatment at home, but was brought here to Beford Hospital yesterday to receive extra support for his breathing. Hes on a ward, and not in Intensive Care. She described the medical care hes received over the past few weeks as remarkable, and goes on to say. We last spoke to him just before christmas, and he was his usual, optimistic self. But things will get better, and next year will be all right. Captain toms endeavours, Walking 1oo Lengths of his back garden before his 100th birthday last april, saw him raise almost £40 million for Nhs Charities. He inspired so many to follow in his footsteps, and his story was told Around The World. Now, once again, people are lining up to wish him well. The Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted. The labour leader sir keir starmer wrote. Hold your head up high. And the singer michael ball, whose duet with captain tom helped him to break yet another record as they made it to number one, said. He is a huge cricket fan, and the former england captain Michael Vaughan sent this message. Sir captain tom, over the last ten months youve been our inspiration. Youve been the nations heartbeat. We are all thinking of you. Get well soon. Thank you, captain tom, from the nhs. And in passing on their best wishes, the Nhs Charities he helped reminds us of the difference hes made. We owe him so much for inspiring people to support nhs carities. People to support Nhs Charities. The funds that he raised are making such a difference right now, to nhs staff, volunteers and patients. Our thoughts are with him and his family at this time. And we wish you a speedy recovery, captain tom. As the pandemic led to repeated lockdowns, captain tom has always offered messages of hope and positivity reminding us all to walk, to talk and to look after each other. Its now time for us to return the favour and to look forward to seeing that smile once again. John maguire, bbc news, bedford. Three and a half years since the Grenfell Tower fire and hundreds of thousands of people across the uk are still living in homes with Flammable Cladding. Labour wants a National Task force to be set up to deal with what it sees as a crisis. Mps will debate the issue in parliament this afternoon. With calls for an urgent audit to establish the scale of the problem. Our Consumer Affairs correspondent sarah corker reports. A bombshell has just been dropped on us with this cladding. Caught up in britains building safety crisis. These sums of money are eye watering and something we could never afford. Thousands of people are trapped living in unsafe homes. These flat owners in salford say they face repair bills of up to £100,000 each. And if im made bankrupt by this, i lose myjob, my career and my home. This tower block in south london is having its dangerous cladding removed, paid for by government funding, but across britain an estimated 700,000 people are still living in homes wrapped in flammable materials, now facing huge repair billings. For the last two or three years a lot of our lives have been completely ruined. We remain in uncertainty, we are living in fear and limbo. All weve been told so far is the government wants us to pay sums running into the Tens Of Thousands of pounds simply to make our homes safe. Its all got even worse over the last year, because were literally trapped in our homes for 23 hours a day during the pandemic. We almost feel safer outside than inside our homes. Labour says the government needs to get a grip on cladding problems which are pushing people towards bankruptcy. At the moment almost everybody� s saying its a bad situation, but its not really my responsibility. The result is innocent lease holders here, who are living in accommodation which is unsafe, who cant move, and they are being asked to pick up the bill. Everybody who understands the situation here, once they know about it they say that is obviously wrong. Well, if its obviously wrong do something about it. The government said Building Owners should meet repair costs without passing them on to flat owners where ever possible. Ministers have set aside £1. 6 billion to help remove dangerous cladding, and say Good Progress is being made. But Cladding Campaigners say it will cost ten times that amount, given the scale of this crisis. And those responsible for managing buildings say its the government that needs to pay for work to be done now. We, as managing agents, we cant remediate because we cant the work without the funding. Thats why were asking the government to front fund and then the government can figure out how and who to recover the money from later. Pressure is growing on ministers to do more to protect those facing life changing bills. Sarah corker, bbc news. A statement is expected in the Scottish Parliament tomorrow where the government will set out new steps to control the spread of coronavirus. Speaking in her daily news briefing, scotlands first minister Nicola Sturgeon said that cases are going down in the country, but they remain high and steps will be taken to prevent new cases. Firstly to address the risk of the virus entering the country, as you know, we have already agreed with other countries across the uk to introduce supervised quarantine from some countries. However, as i said last week, in our view, the current uk wide proposals dont go far enough, so tomorrow we will provide some more information about the extent to which we intend to operate supervised quarantine here in scotland. We will also set out some additional measures we are working on to make current travel restrictions more effective than they are already. As well as preventing new cases from entering scotland of course, we have got to be able to identify cases within the country, especially in areas where rates of transmission are high, or where after we have suppressed more thanis where after we have suppressed more than is the case right now, they start to rise again. Now you will recall that in december we conducted pilots of Large Scale Community testing in selected communities, we offered a covert test to anyone who wanted one, regardless of whether or not they wanted symptoms. We have been assessing these pilots over the last few weeks, and at the same time, local authorities have been sending us their proposals for much more extensive use of community testing. In parallel to that we have been considering whether routine testing could help reduce the risk of outbreaks in certain workplaces and businesses where transmission is and businesses where transmission is a particular risk, Food Processing plants being an example. So again we will set out our latest thinking and plans on all of these issues tomorrow. Now, in addition to that and most importantly actually, tomorrows review will also consider schools and early year provision. And we will set out our most up to date thinking on how and when we might be able to start to resume in personal learning and childcare. Obviously all of us want to be able to do thatjust as soon as possible. I will also tomorrow provide information on some expanded arrangements for testing in those settings as well. That was Nicola Sturgeon. In the hours preceding that, the Westminster Group of snp mps were holding an emergency meeting. That has resulted in the Sacking Ofjonah Jerry from the snp front bench. This was her tweet. Join a cherry. Were not sure if that is the reason for this reshuffle. Ms cherry is known for successfully challenging the uk government in court for the prorogation of parliament and is also regarded as a possible Future Leader of the snp. Tweeted her disappointment, saying which minister is increasingly irrelevant to scotlands constitutional future and the snp would do well to rethink our strategy. We were getting more reaction from scotland later on. The Welsh Government says that Vaccination Teams have visited all care homes for older people in wales, apart from those which had a covid case in the last 20 days. The minister for Mental Health, well being and welsh language, eluned morgan, hosted a Press Conference about an hour ago. Lets have a listen to what she said. The latest figures were published ust the latest figures were published just a the latest figures were published just a few minutes ago. They show that more just a few minutes ago. They show that more than 416,000 people have now had that more than 416,000 people have now had the first dose of the vaccine, now had the first dose of the vaccine, that is more than 13 of the population. I know you will be anxious the population. I know you will be anxious to the population. I know you will be anxious to hear whether we met in the next anxious to hear whether we met in the next marker in our Vaccinating Strategy the next marker in our Vaccinating Strategy by the next marker in our Vaccinating Strategy by offering that seems to all care strategy by offering that seems to all care homes in wales, and im pleased all care homes in wales, and im pleased to all care homes in wales, and im pleased to confirm that we have. All older pleased to confirm that we have. All older Person Care Homes have either received older Person Care Homes have either received visits from Vaccination Teams received visits from Vaccination Teams or received visits from Vaccination Teams or have visits planned. Where visits teams or have visits planned. Where visits have teams or have visits planned. Where visits have not taken place yet, is because visits have not taken place yet, is because there have been live covid cases because there have been live covid cases in because there have been live covid cases in the because there have been live covid cases in the past 20 days. These Vaccination Cases in the past 20 days. These Vaccination Teams will visit homes as soon Vaccination Teams will visit homes as soon as Vaccination Teams will visit homes as soon as the Public Health advice allows as soon as the Public Health advice allows to as soon as the Public Health advice allows to yet who those who havent yet received them. They want to thank yet received them. They want to thank everybody for that huge effort and put thank everybody for that huge effort and put everybody in the care homes. Im and put everybody in the care homes. Irn just and put everybody in the care homes. Im just really pleased that you are now protected. Every vaccine delivered now protected. Every vaccine delivered as a small victory against the virus delivered as a small victory against the virus. , �. ,. � � delivered as a small victory against the virus. , �. � � , the virus. Youre watching bbc news. Im auoin the virus. Youre watching bbc news. Im going to the virus. Youre watching bbc news. Im going to take the virus. Youre watching bbc news. Im going to take your the virus. Youre watching bbc news. Im going to take your life the virus. Youre watching bbc news. Im going to take your life to the virus. Youre watching bbc news. Im going to take your life to space i im going to take your life to space where astronauts mike hopkins and Victor Glover are installing Battery Upgrades and cameras outside the International Space station. This is the second spacewalk for the duo in just a matter of days. Light streamed on nasas website. It is expected to last for six and a half hours, it is the second spacewalk for glover who is a few months into the his flight. Letsjust listen in. The his flight. Lets ust listen in. ,. , in. Roger that. If we can ust doublecheck. I double check. Studio all sounding rather double check. Studio all sounding rather routine these days. This is a spacewalk in support of the Space Station assembly, we are seeing an upgrade right now to the Current Technology on board. Hopkinton is wearing the spacesuit bidding red stripes as crewe number one. Glover as a crew member number two. They will install the final lithium battery adapter plate. If you understand that, you art want ahead of me. That is the latest from space live. For the most Vulnerable Children in society, another month of Home Schooling presents many challenges. Last week the Prime Minister said schools in england wouldnt reopen to all pupils until March The 8th at the earliest. For Head Teachers and staff it means lots of work to provide help and support for those pupils that need it most. Our Education Correspondent Elaine Dunkley reports from one school in merseyside. Egremont primary in wallasey. The school at the heart of the community. Weve got 107 on average in school each day out of our 309. We are not turning children away but we are obviously needing to do what we are expecting to do in keeping our numbers small. But it is a really hard job. Morning, guys, can everybody see . Good morning the workload the teachers are doing has without question increased significantly. Essentially, they are tripling what they are doing. Theyve got their live learning, theyve got the google classroom, and theyve got the paper learning, if you like. Lockdown has been a challenging time for staff and pupils. I would say the children are quite anxious. They are feeling like, when is this going to end, whats going to happen . You cant really go anywhere or play. | and thats a strugglel for you because were all used to going out. We cant socialise with anyone and school is very different because we have different restrictions. I come into school because i havent got any devices or laptops at home. My teachers are really kind to me and ijust like it in school. This area has high levels of deprivation. One of the biggest concerns is that children will go hungry. Round this vicinty, around most of the wirral and liverpool, it is Working Poverty, and it is child poverty, and it is all those things put together, everything. It has affected so many more people and children than ever before. Every week, the school delivers food parcels to families, and the numbers are growing. People are embarrassed but they shouldnt be. They shouldnt be. We have a couple of members of staff that i provide food for. Again, husbands been furloughed, being laid off. And they are working, working in a school but it hits them as well. As well as food poverty, the head teacher is worried that the pandemic has made it harder for children struggling with behaviour, psychological and emotional issues to get the care they need. Thats hard to cope with because we are not getting what we would usually get, so if we want pretty much any agencies to come out, theyve stopped. Where you are requiring somebody to come and observe a child in class, that is difficult. School life is very different now. Part of our Pe Curriculum is live lessons with the children. Its cold today, absolutely freezing in school. Lily, what have you got in your hands . Laptop. And what is your laptop for . Schoolwork. Part of our new routine, as teaching staff, is to take a covid 19 self test. Over the past year, life and learning for many has been tough. Here, the challenges have been met with resilience, imagination and, of course, humour. Do you want to tell us what youre going to be doing today, talia . Well, to be honest, i only woke up, like, 45 minutes ago. Are we ok . Now and again, you just think, wow, ok, what do we need to do next . You cant switch off from it. This isntjust a school where you finish at the end of the day. This is a lifestyle. Im not sure it ever stops she laughs. Yulia navalnaya, the wife of the jailed russian activist Alexei Navalny, has been fined 20,000 Roubles Fortaking Part in unsanctioned demonstrations. She was among thousands of people detained at protests calling for the release of her husband, one of president putins most renowned critics. Meanwhile, russian prosecutors have backed a request to convert Alexei Navalny� s suspended three and a half Year Prison Sentence into realjail time. Our moscow correspondent Sarah Rainsford gave us more details. Even more likely that when mr navalny appears in front of a court in moscow, he could be facing time in moscow, he could be facing time in prison. The Prison Authorities have supported to have his previous suspended sentence made into a custodial sentence, they say the application is it legal and well founded. I think the courts are highly likely to approve it. That would mean for the first time in all his time as an Anti Corruption campaigner and his time as an Anti Corruption campaignerand as a his time as an Anti Corruption campaigner and as a political opponent of vladimir putin, Alexei Navalny could spend a significant number of months in prison. The kremlin has also been thought to consider the Political Risk of that too high to actually do it before now, but it does look like all the indications are that mr navalny could be sent to prison. Potentially, this could create more protest. If you bet amount at the cows have come out on the streets calling for Alexei Navalny to be released, they are angry about the way he is being treated. If you do is get a long prison sentence, then anger could potentially grow. Certainly, mr navalny� s supporters have called for crowds who gathered outside the courts tomorrow here in moscow. I suspect by the evening time, there could be significant numbers on the street again. That is certainly something that the kremlin has always wanted to avoid in the past. Perhaps its calculations are different now. Certainly it will have been looking at the protest yesterday, right across russia, and last week to evaluate how it moves forward. But the kremlin is not known for giving undue pressure, particularly pressure from the streets. The general consensus from here at this point is that mr navalny is about to be removed from the political equation. British skiers are among 96 people who have been fined for breaking Lockdown Restrictions in the austrian resort of st anton am arlberg. Austria has imposed strict restrictions to try to discourage visitors to the slopes. Police said the people fined included britons, romanians, germans and australians. They are currently in quarantine and face fines of around £2000. Prince harry has accepted an apology and undisclosed damages from the publishers of the Mail On Sunday and mail online over an article which claimed he had turned his back on the royal marines. Harrys lawyer told a remote hearing of the high court that the prince had made Repeated And Concerted Efforts to support the marines. The prince is to donate the damages to the Invictus Games foundation for sick and wounded services personnel. Now its time for a look at the weather. Good afternoon. The picture behind me tells a tale of what is due this week more snow. It will be a little less cold at times in the southis little less cold at times in the south is more likely to have rain. Already the day is a bring snow across Northern Ireland, a few showers in the cold here in scotland. That is an an ongoing battle with the ongoing mild atlantic air pushing and unwittingly cold polar air. Hence these new shelves across scotland today, a little bit of wintriness across the antrim hills, for example, already the next where the front is waiting in the wings. It feels chilly out there, it is drier than yesterday, we do have some sunshine breaking through. Through this evening and overnight, it is all change. The rain gets heavier and it will be mostly rain in the south, but the cold air comes across so some temporary snow for wales, more likely to lingerfor the temporary snow for wales, more likely to linger for the midlands, east anglia, setting aside for Northern England, southern and Central Scotland and the hills of Northern Ireland. It will be treacherously icu with temperatures close to freezing. The snow is reluctant to ease through the day tomorrow, even the centrally lines will see the snow building up. It will see the snow building up. It will be quite nasty for travelling. In the south, now dark but some heavy showers with some hail and thunder coming through. Quite a contrast between what we have got that cold wintry weather in the north and the mild and showery weather in the south. The area of low pressure 6 of us until wednesday, but in the south of that is potential for more wednesday, but in the south of that is potentialfor more rain to push its way into southern areas. It will be difficult to get the detail at this stage, but you can see clearly once again central and southern parts of scotland, the far north of england, are seeing more snow, strong wind blowing thats now around. Eventually the rain is out there waiting at the south and it remains relatively mild, but we still have numerous Flood Warnings in force following recent weeks of rain. With more rain to come, that is not good news. You can find all Weather Warnings from the website. Arrangements for testing in those settings as well. This is bbc news. Im simon mccoy. The headlines at 3pm urgent testing is under way after 11 cases of the South African Variant Of Coronavirus, with no links to travel, are identified in england. The Prime Minister says he has full confidence in current vaccines. We are confident that all the vaccines that we are using provide a high degree of immunity and protection against all variants. A crucial milestone in the fight against Coronavirus Confirmation expected later today that all older residents in englands eligible care homes have been offered a vaccine. Detained in a coup myanmar� s aug sang suu kyi is one of a number of political leaders held as the military takes control. Thousands ofjobs to go online retailier asos buys topshop and three other brands but doesnt want their stores. Well wishers Around The World send messages of support to captain sir tom moore who remains in hospital with covid 19 and pneumonia. All social distancing rules are scrapped on the isle of man there have been no new cases there for almost three weeks. Good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. Tens of thousands of people in parts of england are being urgently tested after more cases of the highly transmissible South African Variant Of Coronavirus were discovered. Its now emerged that in the past five or six days, officials have identified 11 cases of the south africa variant with no links to travel. Mobile Testing Units are being sent into the affected areas of london, the West Midlands, east of england, south east and the north west. Our Health Correspondent Catherine Burns is here. We can even be more specific about the areas affected here. The areas affected here. Right, ok, so, there the areas affected here. Right, ok, so. There are the areas affected here. Right, ok, so, there are eight the areas affected here. Right, ok, so, there are eight postcodes i the areas affected here. Right, ok, so, there are eight postcodes for. So, there are eight postcodes for those 11 postcode, w seven, ealing and london, n 17, those 11 postcode, w seven, ealing and london, n17, haringey in london, cr four, croydon, then in the West Midlands w s two, which is walsall. In the south east, ma 15, maidstone. G u 21, woking. Brooke spread in hertfordshire and in the north west, pr nine southport. So numbers, lets go through some actual numbers here. So we know that since they first spotted this variant back in december there has been 105 cases pop up in the uk but until this point, these 11 cases, they could all be traced back to someone who has come in from abroad. With these 11 cases, they cannot do that. Now, is 11 the actualfinal number of cases . It is not. When you have a Coronavirus Test and it is positive, then a small selection of those will be randomly picked for testing for genome sequencing, and that at the minute is somewhere between five and 10 . So we know that this 105 cases is an underestimate. It that this 105 cases is an underestimate. That this 105 cases is an underestimate. ,. , underestimate. It is the tip of the iceberu. Underestimate. It is the Tip Of The Iceberg. Between underestimate. It is the Tip Of The Iceberg. Between 90 underestimate. It is the Tip Of The Iceberg. Between 90 and underestimate. It is the Tip Of The Iceberg. Between 90 and 9596, i underestimate. It is the tip of the | iceberg. Between 90 and 9596, so aaain in iceberg. Between 90 and 9596, so again in this iceberg. Between 90 and 9596, so again in this big iceberg. Between 90 and 9596, so again in this big scale iceberg. Between 90 and 9596, so again in this big scale of again in this big scale of coronavirus, these numbers are not huge, but all of this now is to keep it that way and dampen it down. Because the worry about it is transmissibility. Because the worry about it is transmissibility. Yes, these new variants, transmissibility. Yes, these new variants. We transmissibility. Yes, these new variants, we knew transmissibility. Yes, these new variants, we knew what transmissibility. Yes, these new variants, we knew what we i transmissibility. Yes, these newj variants, we knew what we were dealing with with coronavirus for so long and then at the end of last year, the uk variant came along on this one too. There are tiny changes in the virus, which make it easier for them to get into ourselves, easier for them to infect as, basically they are Getting Better at fighting our Immune System so they are spreading faster. What we dont think they do is that it makes people any more sick, but more numbers of people getting coronavirus is bad news at a time when the nhs is under so much pressure. When the nhs is under so much ressure. , pressure. The good news is the level of vaccination pressure. The good news is the level of vaccination that pressure. The good news is the level of vaccination that is pressure. The good news is the level of vaccination that is going pressure. The good news is the level of vaccination that is going on, i pressure. The good news is the level of vaccination that is going on, and l of vaccination that is going on, and we have heard from the Prime Minister that he is confident that these vaccinations are going to work against these new variants, but how confident can we be . So against these new variants, but how confident can we be . Against these new variants, but how confident can we be . So three of the Vaccine Companies confident can we be . So three of the Vaccine Companies have confident can we be . So three of the Vaccine Companies have done confident can we be . So three of the Vaccine Companies have done some l Vaccine Companies have done some testing in south africa and they have all found that the efficacy as they call it, in other words how much it stops you from getting severely ill or dying, its about 60 with this particular variant. Some of the other variants we know about our vaccines we know that a much higher, 80 or 90 . Before we panic, right at the beginning of this before people started developing vaccines, the World Health Organisation set them a target of at least 50 efficacy, so were looking at more than that. Thank very much. Lets speak now to professor lawrence young, virologist and professor of molecular oncology at Warwick Medical School. Just picking up on what kath just said, how worried you think we should be by this discovery . Weill. Said, how worried you think we should be by this discovery . Well, i think that we should be by this discovery . Well, i think that we know should be by this discovery . Well, i think that we know these should be by this discovery . Well, i think that we know these virus i think that we know these Virus Variants spread everywhere very rapidly, so at one level it is not surprising that this so called South African Variant is with us and is likely to be in a reasonable number of people. We know as you have heard that the vaccine is relatively efficient at reducing disease but thats early data, and there are some concerns that even though 60 Vaccine Efficiency sounds good, its not quite as good as 90 , and it might mean that we need to rethink some of the vaccines. Does might mean that we need to rethink some of the vaccines. Some of the vaccines. Does it mean we also have some of the vaccines. Does it mean we also have to some of the vaccines. Does it mean we also have to rethink some of the vaccines. Does it mean we also have to rethink our we also have to rethink our timescale, in terms of things trying to get back to normal . Timescale, in terms of things trying to get back to normal . Thats one of the big concerns, to get back to normal . Thats one of the big concerns, and to get back to normal . Thats one of the big concerns, and i to get back to normal . Thats one of the big concerns, and i guess to get back to normal . Thats one of the big concerns, and i guess that i the big concerns, and i guess that is why we are seeing this sort of surge in testing. The point about all these viruses, variants, whatever they are of this virus, they are all spreading the same way, so the controls on transmission, reducing person to person contact, testing, tracing and isolating will restrict the spread of this virus, so i guess thats what were hearing about today. Bhd so i guess thats what were hearing about today about today. And the difference in these particular about today. And the difference in these particular variants about today. And the difference in these particular variants is about today. And the difference in these particular variants is on i about today. And the difference in these particular variants is on the | these particular variants is on the spike. We are all familiar with the look of a coronavirus, but its those little spikes that change, is it . It those little spikes that change, is it . , , ~ , those little spikes that change, is it . ,. , it . It is. The spike is important for two main it . It is. The spike is important for two main reasons it . It is. The spike is important for two main reasons really, i it . It is. The spike is important. For two main reasons really, one it . It is. The spike is important i for two main reasons really, one is it is the bit of the virus that sticks to our cell, and we know that the change that has occurred in the uk variant, which is actually identical to one of the changes in the South African Variant in that Spike Protein makes the virus more sticky, and that stickiness increases the ability of the virus to infect. So thats why the virus is more transmissible. The worry is the South African Variant has another change, and of course this Fight Protein forms the basis of all the vaccines, it is the process to which the body was not immune response is most effective and repute produces these very important blocking or neutralising antibodies and there is a change in the South African Variant that seems to render the South Africans Variant Spike protein a little less sensitive, shall we say, to Immune Protection. Sensitive, shall we say, to Immune Protection sensitive, shall we say, to immune rotection. � , , protection. And the big issue seems to be the protection protection. And the big issue seems to be the protection from to be the protection from transmission that the vaccines introduced. I mean, how worried are you that Something Like the South African Variant will be just as virulent even after a vaccine . I think the main issue here is about reinfection, because we know that this and certainly for other coronaviruses, Immune Responses weigh in after make after a period of time and then you can get reinfection. They waned. You can still transmit the virus was top so there is an issue here about how we roll out the vaccine as quickly as possible. The more the virus is allowed to spread, the more chances we have of the virus evolving and generating new variants that might create challenges for us in terms of the immunology. So we can still stamp out this virus with the existing vaccine, but we might also need to think about next year, when we will probably need to reconfigure the current vaccines. filth. We will probably need to reconfigure the current vaccines. The current vaccines. Oh, it ust seems such � the current vaccines. Oh, it ust seems such a i the current vaccines. Oh, it ust seems such a long i the current vaccines. Oh, it ust seems such a long way i the current vaccines. Oh, it ust seems such a long way off, i the current vaccines. Oh, itjust| seems such a long way off, next year, doesnt it . But you have made the point and it is probably worth reiterating, the virus doesnt spread itself, distill people spreading this and we can still do things to mitigate it. It is spreading this and we can still do things to mitigate it. Things to mitigate it. It is still sread things to mitigate it. It is still spread in things to mitigate it. It is still spread in exactly things to mitigate it. It is still spread in exactly the things to mitigate it. It is still spread in exactly the same i things to mitigate it. It is still i spread in exactly the same way, person to person, it is still as sensitive to alcohol and detergents, so washing your hands is important, and all of the control measures will stop this virus spreading, and i guess thats why we are seeing today this surge of mass testing, and then obviously what is really important is that we encourage people to isolate. I is that we encourage people to isolate. ,. ,. , is that we encourage people to isolate. ,. , ~. ,. ,. , isolate. I was talking to one of our isolate. I was talking to one of your colleagues isolate. I was talking to one of your colleagues earlier isolate. I was talking to one of your colleagues earlier who i isolate. I was talking to one of| your colleagues earlier who are suggesting it might be christmas before things get back to anything like normal. Is that a pessimistic view or is that increasingly realistic . I view or is that increasingly realistic . View or is that increasingly realistic . , , realistic . I think it is slightly pessimistic. Realistic . I think it is slightly pessimistic. My realistic . I think it is slightly pessimistic. My view realistic . I think it is slightly pessimistic. My view is i realistic . I think it is slightly pessimistic. My view is we i realistic . I think it is slightly l pessimistic. My view is we will realistic . I think it is slightly i pessimistic. My view is we will do well with the vaccine, thats going really well and that will help out stamp a lot of infection, and we should see some easing of lockdown over the next few months. It wont be overnight, but i think what will happen is we will see a significant easing, come autumn. We know that the Drug Companies who have developed these vaccines are already on the case and are developing the Second Generation vaccines if we need them, and it is possible for instance to get boosted with a vaccine that contains one of these variants, just to make sure we are covering this variation, in this variant. This wont be the only variant. This wont be the only variant we see, there will be others being thrown up all the time but as i said earlier, transmitted the same way so the same precautions are really important. Way so the same precautions are really important. Thank you so much for our really important. Thank you so much for your time. Really important. Thank you so much for your time, professor really important. Thank you so much for your time, professor lawrence i for your time, professor lawrence younge. Itll be another major milestone in the battle against coronavirus. Data to be published later this afternoon is expected to show that every older resident in eligible care homes in england has now been offered a covid jab. The Vaccination Programme across the uk is continuing to accelerate nine Million People have now had theirfirst dose. Our Health Correspondent jim reed reports. Vac cina tion day, come on vaccination day at this care home in somerset. And they are upbeat. How you feeling, barbara . All right. Looking forward to it. Youre looking forward to it, are you . Yeah. A third of all deaths from covid have taken place in care homes, so the government is calling today a milestone. Were very pleased that weve been able to give all elderly care home residents, virtually all elderly care home residents have now been. Given their first jab or a slot fortheirfirst jab, and thats very important for getting the spread of the virus down, getting the Serious Illnessl and the fatality down. Looking across the uk, in scotland, 94 of residents have now had their firstjab and 80 of staff. Wales has now given a first dose to 74 of residents and 78 of staff, and in Northern Ireland, 80 of residents have now had both doses of a vaccine. But in england there have been concerns about some care home workers. The government appears to have missed its target to offer a jab to all staff by the end of january. Some of it is to do with access, and that is that people are just not able to get to where they needed to go to. If theyve been coming into the care homes, the gps have not had enough vaccine for the staff as well, theyve just got enough for the residents, which was the priority, and some of it is to do with cultural issues. Some is that people just dont want to have the vaccine. Squeeze a little bit tight. Here at this home in cheltenham, all residents will need a second jab in 12 weeks time before they are fully protected. You feel totally different because you feel you are getting somewhere and getting on the way to, you know, being free. Whether it works out or not is another thing, but it is worth a try. There are now calls to speed up the roll out of the booster dose, to allow homes to restart full face to face visits as soon as possible. People arent just dying of covid, they are dying of loneliness in their Tens Of Thousands. Thats why it is so important those visits can restart as quickly as possible and feel potentially the second dose is an important step along the way. For Tens Of Thousands, though, this is a positive day. Not the end of the pandemic by any means, but a real step towards what should be a more normal life. Jim reed, bbc news. Lets talk more now about how the Vaccine Rollout could have an impact on hospital pressures. Dr Alison Pittard is the dean of the faculty of Intensive Care medicine. Good afternoon to you. Lets just look at the positives at the moment, and the Vaccination Programme does seem to be certainly on course. Now, is that making things harder in the short term but with the knowledge that in the term this will ease pressures . That in the term this will ease ressures . ,. , pressures . Well, certainly what we are seeinu pressures . Well, certainly what we are seeing in pressures . Well, certainly what we are seeing in intensive pressures . Well, certainly what we are seeing in Intensive Care pressures . Well, certainly what we are seeing in Intensive Care is i pressures . Well, certainly what we are seeing in Intensive Care is that| are seeing in Intensive Care is that the number of patients being admitted to Intensive Care on a daily basis are starting to plateau and in some areas it is going down, and in some areas it is going down, and that will be a combination of the Vaccination Programme, the fact that the majority of people are listening to the guidance and following the advice, in terms of hands, face, space, and we are getting a lower transmission, so there is a lot more positivity at there is a lot more positivity at the moment looking forward, but it doesnt mean that we can start to relax just yet, because even though the number of patients coming into hospital is starting to level off, there are still many more patients than would be their normally in hospitals and Intensive Care units, and the staff continue to work flat out, notjust those in Intensive Care but those who are coming to help us inside the units and also not on the general wards is welcome everyone is really busy, so the numbers might be starting to give us some optimism. But certainly things are working extremely hard and we need to do our bit. Need to do our bit. Some Optimism Ou Ut need to do our bit. Some optimism you put on need to do our bit. Some optimism you put on the need to do our bit. Some optimism you put on the news need to do our bit. Some optimism you put on the news and need to do our bit. Some optimism you put on the news and there i need to do our bit. Some optimism you put on the news and there we | need to do our bit. Some optimism i you put on the news and there we are talking about this discovery of south african variance in various parts of the country. Does your heart sink . Parts of the country. Does your heart sink . Well, the virology of covid isnt heart sink . Well, the virology of covid isnt really heart sink . Well, the virology of covid isnt really my heart sink . Well, the virology of covid isnt really my area heart sink . Well, the virology of covid isnt really my area of i covid isnt really my area of expertise, but having a bit of information about how viruses change, we always expected there to be new variants. It was only a matter of time before was all the same variant here. It is only called the South African Variant because thatis the South African Variant because that is where it was first detected, and the viruses are likely to change in the same way in Different Countries. But i think if we listen to the experts, at least we can detect it with the test we have, or they can be slightly modified, and there is positive information coming out from the testing centres, in terms of the vaccine efficacy. Although it is concerning that we are seeing more variance, and they are seeing more variance, and they are increasingly transmissible, at the moment things look good, in terms of vaccine efficacy. Haifa the moment things look good, in terms of vaccine efficacy. How tired are our terms of vaccine efficacy. How tired are your colleagues terms of vaccine efficacy. How tired are your colleagues working terms of vaccine efficacy. How tired are your colleagues working in i are your colleagues working in Intensive Care right now . Theyre exhausted. Intensive care right now . Theyre exhausted, and Intensive Care right now . Theyre exhausted, and theyve Intensive Care right now . Theyre exhausted, and theyve been i Intensive Care right now . Theyre i exhausted, and theyve been doing this for almost a year in some cases over a year. And the difference this time is in the first wave we knew it was going to be a massive peak, and thenit was going to be a massive peak, and then it would drop off quite quickly. We always knew that when there was a second peak it would continue for a long time, so its a marathon, not a sprint, and that makes the approach, the Mental Health and well being of our staff really important, and notjust those who normally work in Intensive Care, but those who have come to help us as well, because i think they have been more affected by it, and what we need to make sure that people have some time to take time out and to recuperate and to build up their strength to be able to carry on for the rest of the year. The strength to be able to carry on for the rest of the year. Strength to be able to carry on for the rest of the year. The trouble is the rest of the year. The trouble is the are the rest of the year. The trouble is they are not the rest of the year. The trouble is they are not getting the rest of the year. The trouble is they are not getting that the rest of the year. The trouble is they are not getting that and i the rest of the year. The trouble isj they are not getting that and when you say it is a marathon, not a sprint, of course they are sprinting but for the length of a marathon. Exactly, and i think thats what we need to be careful of, is that we dont get lulled into a full sense of security, so yes, there is positivity in that the Vaccination Programme is a huge achievement that everyone should be really proud of, but what that doesnt mean is that we can relax our vigilance, in terms of listening to the advice. So although more and more people will be vaccinated, we need to make sure that we adhere to the hands, face, Space Guidance so that numbers dont increase, and so that we dont see increased numbers in Intensive Care so that hopefully that will give a little bit of respite for Health Care Workers so they can get some down time. Care workers so they can get some down time down time. Thank you for sparing our time down time. Thank you for sparing your time with down time. Thank you for sparing your time with us. Lets get more from our Political Correspondent iain watson. Hejoins me from he joins me from westminster. Hejoins me from westminster. We have heard from borisjohnson, who seems fairly confident with the way the vaccines are going, but there are still many, many targets ahead. Thats right, there is one target downing st incest has been met, fulfilling borisjohnsons promise back on the 7th Of January that all elderly care home residents in england would be offered a vaccine. There are some caveats, they point out it is not possible where there are outbreaks of covid in care homes, some elderly residents may not be eligible for those vaccines, but by and large it looks as though they are pretty much on target to deliver that. They are pretty much on target to deliverthat. Now they are pretty much on target to deliver that. Now obviously he had a very difficult week last week, when it was confirmed that more than 100,000 people had died within 28 days of getting a covid positive test, all sorts of questions about how the pandemic was being handled by the government but certainly recent Opinion Polls suggest people are satisfied with progress on the vaccines issue. The next big challenge is the 15th of february, when all over 70s as well as Health Care Staff and people who are extremely clinically vulnerable, they should have been offered a vaccine by then. That is still quite a challenge to meet that but Boris Johnson is confident that will happen. If that does happen then he is hoping a week after that to be able to set out a slow but steady route mapped out of lockdown, not the immediate escape from lockdown by any means, but possibly getting some schools open again on the 8th of march. But one other thing that will be weighing on his mind will be also whether the vaccines are actually really suppressing the transmissibility of the virus as welcome and there will be a big study on that in the next few weeks, that will also determine how far he can open up, and what he said today when speaking to reporters was he was hoping we wouldnt be blown off course by other variants. We have had of course the confirmation that there is now going to be door to door testing for example in bits of woking, where two cases were identified as having the virus without having travelled to south africa or indeed anywhere else. So there will be some concerns there. It is hoped the vaccines will still be effective to a degree against any variance, but that too may also ultimately determine whether he can actually offer us any kind of early move out of lockdown. I think it was interesting today for somebody who likes whenever possible to stress some hopes among ourfears, some optimism, that he was saying we could be living with covid for quite some time to come. Could be living with covid for quite some time to come. Yeah. Now lets talk about the some time to come. Yeah. Now lets talk about the snp some time to come. Yeah. Now lets talk about the snp because some time to come. Yeah. Now lets talk about the snp because in i talk about the snp because in westminster quite a shake today. Whats going on . Westminster quite a shake today. Whats going on . There was going to be a reshuffle whats going on . There was going to be a reshuffle in whats going on . There was going to be a reshuffle in any whats going on . There was going to be a reshuffle in any case, whats going on . There was going to be a reshuffle in any case, because l be a reshuffle in any case, because one of the front bench were standing in the Scottish Parliament for the elections, but the big shock was that one of the most prominent and best parliamentary performance, Joanna Cherry, who is also a prominent scottish lawyer, was sacked from the front bench. Now, she is someone who you may remember for example challenged borisjohnson over the prorogation of parliament during all the brexit rails in 2019, that went to the courts in scotland, but more recently she has been involved in various i think it is fair to say twitter spats, and the issue of trans rights, including with a former Deputy Leader of the party here At Westminster, and certainly the sources here At Westminster, snp sources At Westminster, snp sources At Westminster are saying that yes, she has been sacked, and there were concerns that she wasnt a team player. So despite her prominence, she was removed from the front bench, but they are denying this plays into anything wider than that. So, for example, we know there is a lot of tension between the current Scottish First minister Nicola Sturgeon and the previous one, alex salmond. Joanna cherry has talked about reinstalling Alex Salmonds reputation after he was cleared of charges in the scottish courts, so she seemed very much in his camp, that they were suggesting it was more recently not her views but the manner in which she expressed her views on some sensitive issues, including on trans rights, which seem to have contributed to her removal from the front bench. Iah. Removal from the front bench. Ian, thank you removal from the front bench. Ian, thank you. More removal from the front bench. Ian, thank you. More on removal from the front bench. Ian, thank you. More on the urgent testing for the South African Variant in england. Adults in eight neighbourhoods in surrey, kent, hertfordshire and walsall are being investigated full stop we are getting more details of the walsall case, andy street the West Midlands mayor has been talking at a meeting of the West Midlands combined authority in a webinar meeting, he says the thing i want to stress and i might be slightly better briefed than others here there is a single case. He says because of the need to bear down on this, what is going to happen, literally as just being set p happen, literally as just being set up now, is testing in the immediate vicinity of where that Single Person lives. We hope that this has been caught very, very early and testing can eliminate it. He dismissed claims that people had attended a local hospital suffering from the new variant. It is not the case. There have been multiple visits to a local hospital. I hope this is clear. One single case in the West Midlands. So thats the latest from there. Dr Ben Maruthappu is the ceo of Home Care Provider cera, which provides care to 10,000 elderly people in their own homes. How should i pronounce cera. As you pronounced how should i pronounce cera. As you pronounced it how should i pronounce cera. As you pronounced it. We how should i pronounce cera. As you pronounced it. We got how should i pronounce cera. As you pronounced it. We got that how should i pronounce cera. As you pronounced it. We got that straight. | pronounced it. We got that straight. Do ou pronounced it. We got that straight. Do you share pronounced it. We got that straight. Do you share the pronounced it. We got that straight. Do you share the prime pronounced it. We got that straight. Do you share the Prime Ministers i do you share the Prime Ministers confidence for these latest figures for vaccinations in care homes . I think it is very positive and it is a major achievement that we have rolled out vaccinations across care homes nationwide. However, our data suggest that there is a potential and emerging vaccination blind spot. At cera, we look after 10,000 older people a day in their own homes, and just 1 of these older people have been vaccinated thus far. And we believe that is because on the one hand there are individuals in care homes who are being vaccinated at their place of residence, and thats rightly so. On the other hand, there are older people in their own homes who are healthy enough to travel to a Vaccination Centre. But there is a group in the middle of the older, frail, isolated, vulnerable old people who are receiving care at home, and unfortunately cannot travel to a Vaccination Centre, or are to anxious to do so, and that is potentially a group of a Million People, and we are concerned that unless change is taken, they could be a forgotten million who are left behind and not vaccinated, and of course we need a Vaccination Programme that addresses inequalities, rather than potentially exacerbating them. Ibeh. Potentially exacerbating them. Ben, ust to be potentially exacerbating them. Ben, just to be slightly potentially exacerbating them. Ben, just to be slightly more potentially exacerbating them. Ben, just to be slightly more optimistic about that, we are talking about people presumably if they are at home, they are not going out, they are less at risk. Are less at risk. They are potentially are less at risk. They are potentially less are less at risk. They are potentially less at i are less at risk. They are potentially less at risk, l are less at risk. They are i potentially less at risk, but of course after lockdown eases up, potentially individuals may be visiting these older people. Occasionally, they may have support going into the community, to parks, to Grocery Stores and so on, and these individuals, just like those in care homes, have the right to be vaccinated, and just because they are unable to travel to a Vaccination Centre doesnt mean we shouldnt be catering for them. If you look at other countries across europe, parts of asia, even north america, they have adopted mobile vaccination units that go out and visit people in their own homes. Vaccinating them there if they arent able to travel to assent to themselves. I think it is really important our country considers a similar intervention and line of action so that we can step up and look after this group of around a million or so of our oldest and most vulnerable in society. The million or so of our oldest and most vulnerable in society. Vulnerable in society. The calls already for vulnerable in society. The calls already for mobile vulnerable in society. The calls already for mobile units, i vulnerable in society. The calls already for mobile units, howl vulnerable in society. The calls i already for mobile units, how would that work and how many are you going to need . We that work and how many are you going to need . ~ , that work and how many are you going to need . ~ a, a, a, , a, to need . We are already seeing on the margins to need . We are already seeing on the margins that to need . We are already seeing on the margins that community to need . We are already seeing on| the margins that Community Nurses are trying to provide small numbers of vaccinations to the most vulnerable individuals and those who are housebound, trying to do that in are housebound, trying to do that in a more coordinated, national and at scale manner i think is what we are looking for, and countries such as turkey, bahrain, parts of sweden are already doing this, sol turkey, bahrain, parts of sweden are already doing this, so i definitely think it is in the realms of possibility. We have made amazing progress when it comes to care homes, but its now time we offer a similar level of effort and roll out and reach to those who are most vulnerable in their own homes, and then of course we learnt the hard way from the first wave that if we do forget about older people, very sadly, then thousands if not Tens Of Thousands of tragedies, and we cant afford to let Something Like that happen again. fire afford to let Something Like that happen again afford to let Something Like that hauenauain. , happen again. Are you really saying that the government happen again. Are you really saying that the government has happen again. Are you really saying that the government has forgotten | that the government has forgotten these i that the government has forgotten thesei Million People . I that the government has forgotten these 1 Million People . These1 Million People . I think these1 Million People . I think these are these1 Million People . I think these are individuals these1 Million People . I think these are individuals who these1 Million People . I think| these are individuals who have slipped through the cracks. I think the government has its priority groups but it could better prioritise this group of individuals who are older and vulnerable in their own homes, who actually are in their own homes, who actually are in the groups that are meant to be prioritised. The groups that are meant to be prioritised the groups that are meant to be rioritised. ,. ,. , ~. , prioritised. Really good to talk to ou, prioritised. Really good to talk to you. Thank prioritised. Really good to talk to you. Thank you prioritised. Really good to talk to you, thank you for prioritised. Really good to talk to you, thank you for your prioritised. Really good to talk to you, thank you for your time prioritised. Really good to talk to you, thank you for your time this | you, thank you for your time this afternoon. And Health Secretary matt hancock will be leading the Downing Street Coronavirus Briefing later today. You can watch special coverage from li. 30pm on bbc one and here on the bbc news channel. The European Commission has acknowledged it went too far in its row with astrazeneca last week, and that it was a mistake to announce controls on coronavirus vaccines to Northern Ireland. Speaking to reporters, a spokesperson for th Eu Commission justified the mistake by saying only the pope is infallible and the error was quickly rectified. Our europe correspondent gavin lee has more from brussels. Its the first Time Commission officials have publicly said what went wrong last week. This intense row with astrazeneca, in which the company could not keep to its vaccine contracts, suspicion in brussels that it was shorting the eu, effectively, from its belgian plants, sneaking vaccines to the uk. In fact it had to be raided to double check that and then ultimately setting about an announcement of on friday to stop exporting, and then at one point putting on this measure which would see a border with ireland, with checks in places to stop the vaccine being brought to Northern Ireland. So we had from the Commission Spokesperson today, speaking for an hour, essentially, not a mea culpa, more a justification saying it was a mistake, only the pope is infallible, he said, and the important thing is we justified this very quickly. So it is the first time the European Commission has acknowledged it went too far in this row with astrazeneca. Now its time for a look at the weather with helen. Good afternoon. It is a little drier for many of them yesterday, with some sunshine across parts of scotland and Northern England, but a lot of cloud, as you saw from that misty picture to start with, further south and west, and some rain and hill snow across Northern Ireland, and despite more sunshine, its not particularly warm out there this afternoon, and already weve got Trouble Brewing to the south west. As this moves northwards through the night, initially it will fall as rain in the slightly less cold south and west, but it comes into that cold air for north wales, temporarily snow, but for the midlands, east anglia and particularly Northern England, the hills of Northern Ireland and scotland, there will be some appreciable snow building up at lower levels, but very significant falls potentially through tonight and tomorrow over the hills, as well, with temperatures close to freezing. It will be treacherously icy. Tomorrow, it hardly moves, so places like the Central Lowlands, right the way down into the pennines, heavy showers of hail and thunder follow up to some early sunshine but it is at least a little milder here in contrast. Hello, this is bbc news with simon mccoy. The headlines urgent testing is underway after 11 cases of the South African Variant Of Coronavirus, with no links to travel, are identified in england. A crucial milestone in the fight against Coronavirus Confirmation expected later today that all older residents in englands eligible care homes have been offered a vaccine. Detained in a coup myanmar� s Aung San Suu Kyi is one of a number of political leaders held as the military takes control. Thousands ofjobs to go online retailier asos buys topshop and three other brands, but doesnt want their stores. Well wishers Around The World send messages of support to captain sir tom moore who remains in hospital with covid i9 and pneumonia. Sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre. Good afternoon. The Manchester United manager ole Gunnar Solskjaer� s called on social Media Companies to be stronger in tackling online racist abuse. Greater Manchester Police opened an investigation after Marcus Rashford became the latest player to be targetted following his sides draw with arsenal on saturday. In this way of discrimination, on social media, we can do a lot, can we . So we have to work a lot with the platforms, and they have got to be stronger to make sure that we stop this. Its a view echoed by many. As the governement prepares to introduce legislation to make social Media Companies legally responsible for the Online Safety of their users. The former england and now Crystal Palace manager roy hodgson agrees they need to do more. I dont know what else in the premier i dont know what else in the Premier League and the pfa can do. I heard Premier League and the pfa can do. I heard something on radio four this morning heard something on radio four this morning about the situation. If you want morning about the situation. If you want of morning about the situation. If you want of the morning about the situation. If you want of the need to do something. It seems want of the need to do something. It seems to want of the need to do something. It seems to me, more and more, within the game seems to me, more and more, within the game of seems to me, more and more, within the game of football itself, our opinion the game of football itself, our opinion of the subject is very clean opinion of the subject is very clean two opinion of the subject is very clear. Two may be it has got to be the social clear. Two may be it has got to be the social Media Companies who help us out the social Media Companies who help us out in the social Media Companies who help us out in some way by finding a way of stopping us out in some way by finding a way of stopping this and the Police Forces of stopping this and the Police Forces helping us find a way of making forces helping us find a way of making certain that the people who do it are making certain that the people who do it are prosecuted. Liverpool could be the busiest club on transfer deadline day as the premier League Champions move to bring in some much needed defensive cover. Jurgen klopp looks set to sign ben davies from preston for around £2 million, hes having a medical at the club and theyre keen to bring in another defender as well. Hes been without First Choice Centre backs Virgil Van Dijk and joe gomez, who are both injured, with Midfielderjordan Henderson having to fill in. The japanese government are planning to extend the State Of Emergency covering tokyo and other regions struggling to contain coronavirus outbreaks by one month until march 7, according to reports. It would be just four and half months before the olympics are due to begin. Prime minister Yoshihide Suga has said he will make a final decision on the extension after hearing from an expert panel tomorrow. Englands cricketers have been allowed out of quarantine in india, after the players whod arrived from sri lanka returned negative covid i9 test results. Theyll be able to train together as a full group for the first time tomorrow, with the opening test starting in chennai on friday. Ben stokes, jofra archer and rory burns have already been training, having arrived in india separately, and they could soon be playing in front of fans, with reports that a 50 capacity crowd will be allowed in for the second test. And in for the second test. So , and a . r a; r w w , in for the second test. So if , and a . r a; r w w , where the army has declared a year long State Of Emergency. The countrys political leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has been arrested three months after her party won a landslide in elections. The army claims they were rigged. The military has announced a purge of Aung San Suu Kyis government, removing 2a ministers and deputies and naming ii replacements in its new administration. Jonathan head reports. The burmese people woke up this morning to see a tv announcer telling them the armed forces had seized power. This mp was one of dozens of politicalfigures rounded up in the hours before dawn. By daybreak, roads in the capital were being blocked by soldiers and armoured vehicles. Somewhere here, the burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi was being detained with the rest of her government. It is nothing short of outrageous, deeply disturbing. And i think what is important is for the International Community first and foremost speak out very clearly, very unequivocally this is unacceptable. Last november, Aung San Suu Kyi and her party were re elected in a landslide. Parliament was supposed to sit this morning to start formalising that victory. But the military had objected to alleged irregularities in the election after its own party had performed badly. The coup leader is Armed Forces Commander Min Aung Hlaing the general accused of genocide by the United Nations for his role in the expulsion of the Muslim Rohingya population three years ago. Back then, Aung San Suu Kyi defended the military, even testifying for them in the Genocide Tribunal in the hague, and so tarnishing her international reputation. Today she is back in military custody, as she was for many years. The Prime Minister borisjohnson was one of many leaders Around The World who condemned the coup. The military� s supporters are jubilant and happy to show it. But their party won only 6 of the seats contested in the election. Aung san suu kyis party won 13 times as many. Her supporters are staying low for now, but she has managed to put out a letter urging them to reject the coup. Translation the army assaulted i people as it carried out a coup i on the civilian government elected by our people. Our country isjust a bird learning to fly, now the army has broken our wings. For now, the soldiers are in charge, as they have been for so much of myanmar� s history. But where do they go from here . Unpopular and illegitimate in the eyes of many burmese, they have given themselves a year in power. After that, we just dont know. Jonathan head, bbc news, bangkok. Three and a half years since the Grenfell Tower fire labour wants a National Task force to be set up to deal this is something that the shadow housing secretary will be raising in the house of commons. This follows the house of commons. This follows the Prime Minister saying that robertjen rick will be producing a plant very shortly. Lets listen in as that debate gets under way. Thank ou, mr as that debate gets under way. Thank you. Mr speaker as that debate gets under way. Thank you. Mr speaker i as that debate gets under way. Thank you, mr speaker. I beg as that debate gets under way. Thank you, mr speaker. I beg to as that debate gets under way. Thank you, mr speaker. I beg to move as that debate gets under way. i� ua� uaz you, mr speaker. I beg to move the motion in my name and in the name of the leader of the opposition. Buying your first the leader of the opposition. Buying yourfirst home is the leader of the opposition. Buying your first home is a life defining moment. Its exciting and scary and it symbolises security, time to start a family, though the future. But for so many but was a dream come true has become a nightmare. The grenfell strategy shed light on the tragedy of building safety in this country, and hundreds of buildings have the same cladding that caused the grenfell fires to be so deadly. Even other serious problems, such as combustible insulation, missing fire breaks, faulty fire doors. Millions of homes are caught up in the wider crisis caused by these defects, unable to sell or remortgage or by a flight, freezing up to 60 of the housing market, affecting as much as possibly ii housing market, affecting as much as possibly 11 Million People. It can be easy to get caught up in any vast numbers, but it truly is a human tragedy. Many in this house will have read and head of the story of the First Time Buyer in leeds who bought her flat through an Affordable Housing scheme designed to help people on low incomes take the first step onto the housing ladder. After moving in, she was told that the roof of her building was covid in dangerous cladding, similar to that used on Grenfell Tower. Further inspection uncovered more problems. Every month, hayley faced £300 additional charges for what is called waking watch, a 24 hour fire safety patrol, that gives little confidence but cost dearly. This was as much as her mortgage and shejust dearly. This was as much as her mortgage and she just could not afford it. The terms of our mortgage meant that she couldnt move or rent out her flat, facing meant that she couldnt move or rent out herflat, facing mounting bills for repair. Hayley declared bankruptcy. A First Time Buyer so recently, hayley well enough to out a loan to buy a card. This crisis is notjust a loan to buy a card. This crisis is not just affecting those a loan to buy a card. This crisis is notjust affecting those at a loan to buy a card. This crisis is not just affecting those at the beginning of the housing journey. An elderly is thatjust affecting those at the beginning of the housing journey. An elderly wrote to me recently he wants to move out of his flat into a home that has better mobility needs. The government cant get a survey to prove that his home at. His own cant be mortgage, he cant get a buyer and you cant move into your home where he can be comfortable. The situation is reflected across the country. People being forced to pay more than i can afford for a problem they didnt cause, some so much that they cannot afford to keep their homes. First time buyers getting on the housing ladder to secure their future, people is starting a family, people approaching or in retirement wanting somewhere smaller, key workers were also in the media today. Working on the covid front line in the sheffield and facing a cost of £250,000 and a skyrocketing insurance cost. Housing associations, councils and the tenants and everyone in between. Everyone in this house i think agrees that this tolerable situation must not go on. People cannot deal living in unsafe homes. Leaseholders should not face mounting bills for a crisis that they didnt cause. Labours motion today expresses three simple principles which we hope will receive endorsement from across the house. First, the government must urgently establish how much unsafe cladding that is, where it is and what danger it poses. It is extraordinary that three and a half years on from grenfell, we still dont have such basic information. Immediately after grenfell, the government could have done as a victoria in australia are dead, set up a task was to establish the extent of unsafe cladding, prioritise this, and enforce on those who refuse to take on the work. We call on the government to do this today. Many leaseholders are found out that there is a shortage of inspectors needed to carry out the safety work. The task force that manages the chain. They have also prioritise safety by ensuring the highest risk building are fixed first, ratherthan highest risk building are fixed first, rather than a first come first, rather than a first come first serve approach of the uk government is taking peoples homes should be made safe as soon as possible, whether it is dangerous car that cladding or other safety problems, this must be fixed immediately. The government has called on Building Owners to do the right thing, but there is nothing to prevent Building Owners from passing on the costa leaseholders, indeed, in many cases they have a physique jury in many cases they have a physique jury duty to do so. Leaseholder simply cant without it, and they shouldnt have to. If you bought a new car that turned out to be dangerous, you wouldnt expect to be towed to ticket a loan of Tens Of Thousands of pounds to pay for it, often more than the price of the original car. Mrs peoples homes. The stalemate we have now is leaving hundreds of thousands of people stuck in a flammable buildings, and the only way to make him safe is for the only way to make him safe is for the comment to provide upfront funding to make that happen. Finally, the cost of this work should not fall on leaseholders or taxpayers. Residents bought their homes in good faith, only to find themselves victims of years of corporate must practice and a broken system. Government ministers have promised at least 15 times that leaseholders would not bear the cost, but recently this language has shifted to say that they should not bear shifted to say that they should not hear an affordable cost and there is talk of bones. Labours missions calls for them to reaffirm and put substance behind their original promise to leaseholders. The government should pursue at the dodgy developers, cowboy builders, manufacturers of Flammable Cladding through legal action. Where laws need to be changed to make that easier, we should do so. There is precedent for this already in australia. Many councils and social landlords are being signed by the cost of the remediation of a stop they have been set to Impossible Task by government. This must also change. Mr speaker, iam task by government. This must also change. Mr speaker, i am a task by government. This must also change. Mr speaker, iam a member of her majestys opposition, but im not here to score Party Political points. We know there are at least 34 points. We know there are at least 3a conservative mps who agree that leaseholders should not pay for these costs, and im sure there are many more who have not said yet publicly. I can and in particular the honourable members for stevenage and southampton interim on the fire safety bill, whose amendment on at villa pushed the government to take action. We have put on our own amendments to fill in some gaps. The company has not said when the fire safety bill will come back and at the end of this parliamentary session is rumoured to be fast approaching. The government may say that opposition to the missions are not binding, but that is actually up to them, if they choose not to be bound by the sovereign will of the countrys elected representatives in this house. Many people remember when the Labour Government was defeated by an opposition day mission on gurkhas. They on motion and change policy at the next day. Further delay and inaction is not an action. Building insurance will continue to skyrocket, an affordable cost for wicking watch and security guards will continue. On top of all that colossal cost for fixing buildings will fall on leaseholders. People will go broke. Mortgages risk going into negative equity on a massive scale as more and more flats become literally valueless. We need a situation, a solution to this crisis, that fixes buildings and ensures that those responsible paid. In conclusion, mr speaker, id like to end by paying tribute to absolutely inspiring Cladding Campaigners. Ive met some in my own constituency, bristol west, and others across the country, along with my colleague at the excellent shadow minister for housing and see housing safety. I knew those residentsjust housing safety. I knew those residents just want to get on with their lives. It is testament to all of them that they keep on campaigning. I commend college for standing upfor campaigning. I commend college for standing up for it leaseholders, whether they are able to speak today or not. That is cross party consensus. Agreement across both houses and across the country that we should all put the needs of those First Time Buyers, those key workers and those pensioners first. Im not asking members to vote with the opposition, and asking them to vote with their constituents. To show that they will always put their interest first. If members agree with what is in the motion, they should vote for it. It is as simple as that. ~ should vote for it. It is as simple as that. , ~ ,. , should vote for it. It is as simple as that. ~ ,. ~ should vote for it. It is as simple as that. , ~ ~. , ~ as that. Thank you, mr speaker. Could i do as that. Thank you, mr speaker. Could i do mind as that. Thank you, mr speaker. Could i do mind there as that. Thank you, mr speaker. Could i do mind there will as that. Thank you, mr speaker. Could i do mind there will be as that. Thank you, mr speaker. Could i do mind there will be a l could i do mind there will be a three could i do mind there will be a three minute could i do mind there will be a three minute limit . Could i do mind there will be a three minute limit . The could i do mind there will be a i three minute limit . The question could i do mind there will be a three minute limit . The question is is on three minute limit . The question is is on the three minute limit . The question is is on the order three minute limit . The question is is on the order paper, three minute limit . The question is is on the order paper, i three minute limit . The question is is on the order paper, i now three minute limit . The question is is on the order paper, i now call is on the order paper, i now call the minister~ is on the order paper, i now call the minister. Mr is on the order paper, i now call the minister. Is on the order paper, i now call the minister. ~ ,,. , ~. ,. , the minister. Mr speaker, that is a shared desire the minister. Mr speaker, that is a shared desire in the minister. Mr speaker, that is a shared desire in parliament the minister. Mr speaker, that is a shared desire in parliament to shared desire in parliament to ensure shared desire in parliament to ensure that absolutely everyone in our society ensure that absolutely everyone in our society lives somewhere that is decent. Our society lives somewhere that is decent, safe and secure. United in that commitment, our thoughts naturally that commitment, our thoughts naturally turn to the still unimaginable tragedy of Grenfell Tower~ unimaginable tragedy of Grenfell Tower~ it unimaginable tragedy of Grenfell Tower. It should not have taken such a deadly tower. It should not have taken such a deadly fire, such a terrible loss of life a deadly fire, such a terrible loss of life and a deadly fire, such a terrible loss of life and suffering, for us to face of life and suffering, for us to face up of life and suffering, for us to face up to of life and suffering, for us to face up to the failure is of building face up to the failure is of building safety that have built up over decades and under successive governments. Mr speaker, we are determined to do our duty by those whose determined to do our duty by those whose lives were changed forever that night, and right the wrongs of the past. That night, and right the wrongs of the past, to bring about the biggest improvement to building safety within improvement to building safety within a improvement to building safety within a generation. I will give way to the within a generation. I will give way to the honourable gentleman. He will know that these to the honourable gentleman. He will know that these issues to the honourable gentleman. He will know that these issues affect know that these issues affect thousands of my constituents, not just cladding, but wider fire issues and building safety issues. When is the legislation going to come forward on both fire and building safety . Has he told the house in november there had been negotiations with lenders, but many of my constituents are still saying they are facing serious issues in acquiring those forms. I shall certainly address acquiring those forms. I shall certainly address the acquiring those forms. I shall certainly address the fire acquiring those forms. I shall i certainly address the fire safety and building safety legislation as i advance and building safety legislation as i advance through in my remarks. With respect advance through in my remarks. With respect to advance through in my remarks. With respect to the ews forms, he will know respect to the ews forms, he will know that respect to the ews forms, he will know that a consultation has been undertaken on their proposals, which ought undertaken on their proposals, which ought to undertaken on their proposals, which ought to reduce some of the burdens that some ought to reduce some of the burdens that some people face. That consultation close on january 26, we await consultation close on january 26, we await its consultation close on january 26, we await its results. As a result of the negotiations we undertake with the negotiations we undertake with the industry, some 430,000 people who might the industry, some 430,000 people who might otherwise have been affected who might otherwise have been affected are no longer obliged to complete the form. Mr speaker, through complete the form. Mr speaker, through no fault of their own, we know through no fault of their own, we know that through no fault of their own, we know that many leaseholders have found know that many leaseholders have found themselves in a most challenging, difficult and agonising situation challenging, difficult and agonising situation. Their situation is undoubtedly a complex one. Its roots extend undoubtedly a complex one. Its roots extend over undoubtedly a complex one. Its roots extend over many years now easy answers extend over many years now easy answers looks like i will give way briefly answers looks like i will give way briefly then i shall make some progress briefly then i shall make some rorress. ~ ,. ,. , progress. Will my honourable friend confirm that progress. Will my honourable friend confirm that leaseholders progress. Will my honourable friend confirm that leaseholders will progress. Will my honourable friend confirm that leaseholders will not i confirm that leaseholders will not have confidential clauses in any remediation contracts coming forward . Im obliged to my honourable friend for that question. He is absolutely bite. Leaseholders will he he is absolutely bite. Leaseholders will he in he is absolutely bite. Leaseholders will be in no way gagged by the standard will be in no way gagged by the standard contractual obligations between government and applicants for government monies for remediation. The fact of the matter is, we remediation. The fact of the matter is, we have remediation. The fact of the matter is, we have written to anybody who has applied is, we have written to anybody who has applied to the scheme to make it clear that has applied to the scheme to make it clear that if has applied to the scheme to make it clear that if people wish to make comments about policy or their own remediation situation, they should be allowed to do so. I will say to my honourable friend that if anybody from petty my honourable friend that if anybody from petty officialdom should suggest to his or any other constituents that they should not speak constituents that they should not speak out, then they should offer such a speak out, then they should offer such a petty official a good old fashioned, anglo saxon gesture in response. I welcome, mr speaker, this opportunity to speak in this debate this opportunity to speak in this debate and outline the Decisive Action debate and outline the Decisive Action that we are undertaking to remove action that we are undertaking to remove unsafe cladding and strengthen the regulations and support strengthen the regulations and support leaseholders. We established our Building Safety Programme within days of our Building Safety Programme within days of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Its days of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Lts aim days of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Lts aim has days of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Its aim has always been to ensure that residents in high rise blocks of flats that residents in high rise blocks of flats are safe now and in the future of flats are safe now and in the future we of flats are safe now and in the future. We have worked intensively and extensively to ensure that buildings with dangerous cladding are made safe as quickly as possible are made safe as quickly as possible. And are by £600 million of government funding, real strides have government funding, real strides have lreen government funding, real strides have been made in removing this unsafe have been made in removing this unsafe cladding. Last year, despite the pleasures of covid 19, more high easy rises the pleasures of covid 19, more high easy rises with this cladding were made easy rises with this cladding were made safe. Either there works were begun made safe. Either there works were begun or made safe. Either there works were begun or they were made safe that in any previous begun or they were made safe that in any previous year, nearly double the year than any previous year, nearly double the year than in any previous year, nearly double the yearthan in the any previous year, nearly double the year than in the previous year. Last month, year than in the previous year. Last month, we year than in the previous year. Last month, we reached a major milestone. All highrise month, we reached a major milestone. All high rise social sector buildings have either had the unsafe acm cladding replaced or seen the work gets acm cladding replaced or seen the work gets under way. My constituents. Constituents. Studio we will keep an eye on that. As you can see, labour are pushing for a nonbinding bout on the issue of cladding for top more on that later on. Messages of support have flooded in for captain sir tom moore, whos in hospital with coronavirus. The 100 year old Second World War veteran, who raised nearly £33 million for the nhs during the first lockdown, was admitted yesterday because he needed help with his breathing. John maguire reports. It all started as his way of thanking the nhs for looking after him following a fall. Now captain sir tom moore, the record breaking fundraiser, is under its care once again. He is being treated for pneumonia and covid 19 at bedford hospital. His daughter, hannah, told us he had been receiving treatment at home, but was brought here to Beford Hospital yesterday to receive extra support for his breathing. Hes on a ward, and not in Intensive Care. She described the medical care hes received over the past few weeks as remarkable, and goes on to say. We last spoke to him just before christmas, and he was his usual, optimistic self. But things will get better, and next year will be all right. Captain toms endeavours, walking 100 lengths of his back garden before his 100th birthday last april, saw him raise almost £40 million for Nhs Charities. He inspired so many to follow in his footsteps, and his story was told Around The World. Now, once again, people are lining up to wish him well. The Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted. The labour leader sir keir starmer wrote. When you walk through a storm hold your head up high. And the singer michael ball, whose duet with captain tom helped him to break yet another record as they made it to number one, said. He is a huge cricket fan, and the former england captain Michael Vaughan sent this message. Sir captain tom, over the last ten months youve been our inspiration. Youve been the nations heartbeat. We are all thinking of you. Get well soon. Thank you, captain tom, from the nhs. And in passing on their best wishes the Nhs Charities he helped reminds us of the difference hes made. We owe him so much for inspiring people to support nhs carities. The funds that he raised are making such a difference right now, to nhs staff, volunteers and patients. Our thoughts are with him and his family at this time. And we wish you a speedy recovery, captain tom. As the pandemic led to repeated lockdowns, captain tom has always offered messages of hope and positivity reminding us all to walk, to talk and to look after each other. Its now time for us to return the favour and to look forward to seeing that smile once again. John maguire, bbc news, bedford. We wish him all the best. Now its time for a look at the weather with helen. They are pictured behind me and tells a tale of what is due this week more snow. It will be a little less cold at times in the south, it is more likely we will have rain here. Already the day has brought a little hill snow across Northern Ireland and if few in scotland. The snow showers here across scotland today, a little bit of wintriness and mr across the antrim hills, already the next weather front is waiting in the wings. Underneath all this cloud, it feels chilly out there. It is drier than yesterday and that is sunshine breaking through a west wales, Northern England and scotland. Through this evening and overnight, it is all change. The rain gets heavier, it comes across that cold air so some temporary snow for wales. Low levels through southern and Central Scotland, Northern England, it will see a few centimetres building up. It will be treacherously icy. The snow is reluctant to ease through the day tomorrow, so even the Central Lowlands will see at least now building up, quite nasty for travelling. In the south, the mound at about some heavy showers with some hill and thunder are coming through, eventually pushing into Northern Ireland. Very showery weather in the south. That is all around an area of low pressure. The potential for more rain to around an area of low pressure. The potentialfor more rain to push its way across southern areas. It is going to be difficult to get the detail at this stage, but you can see clearly that central and southern parts of scotland are seeing more snow. The strong wind blowing thats now around. Eventually the rain will move out of the south and it remains relatively mild. We still have numerous Flood Warnings in a force following recent weeks of rain. With more rain to come, that is not good news. You can find all Weather Warnings from the website. This is bbc news. The headlines at 3pm. Urgent testing is under way after 11 cases of the South African Variant Of Coronavirus, with no links to travel, are identified in england. The Prime Minister says he has full confidence in current vaccines we are confident that all the vaccines that we are using provide a high degree of immunity and protection against all variants. We are confident that all the vaccines that we are using provide a high degree of immunity and protection against all variants. A crucial milestone in the fight against Coronavirus Confirmation expected later today that all older residents in englands eligible care homes have been offered a vaccine. Detained in a coup myanmar� s aug sang suu kii is one of a number of political leaders held as the military takes control. The snp dropJoanna Cherry from the front bench in westminster shes a close ally of alex salmond and has been vocal in the partys transgender debate. Well wishers Around The World send messages of support to captain sir tom moore who remains in hospital with covid 19 and pneumonia. Good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. Urgent testing is under way in parts of england after the south african strain of coronavirus was detected in 11 people not thought to have travelled from the country. There are fears this variant is now being transmitted within the community, with the possibility of further new cases. Health officials are aiming to test some 80,000 people in eight affected areas including those who live in the w7, n17 and cr4 postcodes in london ws2 in walsall me15 in maidstone in kent pr9 in southport en10 in broxbourne, hertfordshire and gu21 in woking. Theres no evidence the South African Variant causes more severe disease but it may be more transmissible. Meanwhile, data to be published later this afternoon is expected to show that the government has reached its target of testing all people in eligible care homes in england though not all care staff have yet had the jab. Our Health Correspondent Catherine Burns told us more about the south african strain. So we know that since they first spotted this variant back in december there has been 105 cases pop up in the uk but until this point, these 11 cases, they could all be traced back to someone who has come in from abroad. With these 11 cases, they cannot do that. Now, is 11 the actual final number of cases . It is not. When you have a Coronavirus Test and it is positive, then a small selection of those will be randomly picked for testing for genome sequencing, and that at the minute is somewhere between five and 10 . So we know that this 105 cases is an underestimate. It is the Tip Of The Iceberg. Between 90 and 95 , so again in this big scale of coronavirus, these numbers are not huge, but all of this now is to keep it that way and dampen it down. Earlier professor lawrence young, virologist and professor of molecular oncology at Warwick Medical School explained how worried we should be about the new varient. We know these Virus Variants played everywhere very rapidly, so on one level everywhere very rapidly, so on one level it everywhere very rapidly, so on one level it is everywhere very rapidly, so on one level it is not surprising this socalled level it is not surprising this so called South African Variant is with us so called South African Variant is with us and so called South African Variant is with us and is likely to be in a reasonable number of people. We know as you reasonable number of people. We know as you have reasonable number of people. We know as you have just heard that the vaccine as you have just heard that the vaccine is as you have just heard that the vaccine is relatively efficient at reducing vaccine is relatively efficient at reducing disease but that early data. Reducing disease but that early data. And reducing disease but that early data, and there are some concerns that even data, and there are some concerns that even though 60 Vaccine Efficiency sounds good, it is not quite efficiency sounds good, it is not quite as efficiency sounds good, it is not quite as good as 90 , and it might mean quite as good as 90 , and it might mean we quite as good as 90 , and it might mean we need to rethink some of the vaccines mean we need to rethink some of the vaccines the mean we need to rethink some of the vaccines. The point about all these vaccines, vaccines. The point about all these vaccines, all vaccines. The point about all these vaccines, all these variants of this virus. Vaccines, all these variants of this virus, whatever they are, they are all spread virus, whatever they are, they are all spread in virus, whatever they are, they are all spread in the same way so the controls all spread in the same way so the controls in all spread in the same way so the controls in transmission, reducing person to person contact, testing, tracing person to person contact, testing, tracing and person to person contact, testing, tracing and isolating will restrict the spread of this virus, sol tracing and isolating will restrict the spread of this virus, so i guess thats the spread of this virus, so i guess thats what the spread of this virus, so i guess thats what were hearing about todav~ thats what were hearing about today. The spike is important for two main today. The spike is important for two main reasons really, it is the bit two main reasons really, it is the hit of two main reasons really, it is the hit of the two main reasons really, it is the bit of the virus that sticks to the cells, bit of the virus that sticks to the cells, we bit of the virus that sticks to the cells, we know that the change that has occurred in the uk variant, which has occurred in the uk variant, which is has occurred in the uk variant, which is actually identical to one of the which is actually identical to one of the changes in the South African Variant of the changes in the South African Variant in of the changes in the South African Variant in that Spike Protein, makes the virus variant in that Spike Protein, makes the virus more sticky, and that stickiness the virus more sticky, and that stickiness increases the ability of the virus stickiness increases the ability of the virus to infect. Thats why the virus the virus to infect. Thats why the virus is the virus to infect. Thats why the virus is more the virus to infect. Thats why the virus is more transmissible. The worry virus is more transmissible. The worry is virus is more transmissible. The worry is the virus is more transmissible. The worry is the South African Variant has another change, and of course this spike has another change, and of course this Spike Protein forms the basis of all this Spike Protein forms the basis of all the this Spike Protein forms the basis of all the vaccines, its the protein of all the vaccines, its the protein to which the bodys immune response protein to which the bodys immune response is protein to which the bodys immune response is most effective and produces response is most effective and produces these very important blocking. Produces these very important blocking, or neutralising antibodies, and there is a change in the south antibodies, and there is a change in the South African Variant that seems to render the South African Variant that seems to render the south africans variant to render the South Africans Variant Spike protein a little less sensitive variant Spike Protein a little less sensitive shall we say to Immune Protection sensitive shall we say to Immune Protection. I think the main issue is about protection. I think the main issue is about reinfection, because we know is about reinfection, because we know for is about reinfection, because we know for this and certainly for other know for this and certainly for other coronaviruses Immune Responses waned other coronaviruses Immune Responses waned after other coronaviruses Immune Responses waned after a period of time and then waned after a period of time and then you waned after a period of time and then you can get reinfection. That reinfection then you can get reinfection. That reinfection is not normally associated with symptoms but you could associated with symptoms but you could still associated with symptoms but you could still be infected, you can still transmit the virus, so there is an still transmit the virus, so there is an issue still transmit the virus, so there is an issue here about how we roll out the is an issue here about how we roll out the vaccine as quickly as possible out the vaccine as quickly as possible. I mean, the more the virus is allowed possible. I mean, the more the virus is allowed to possible. I mean, the more the virus is allowed to spread, the more chances is allowed to spread, the more chances we have of the virus evolving chances we have of the virus evolving and generating new variants that might evolving and generating new variants that might create challenges for us, in terms that might create challenges for us, in terms of that might create challenges for us, in terms of the immunology. So we can still in terms of the immunology. So we can still stamp out these viruses with the can still stamp out these viruses with the existing vaccine, but we might with the existing vaccine, but we might also with the existing vaccine, but we might also need to think about next year. Might also need to think about next year. When might also need to think about next year, when we will probably need to reconfigure year, when we will probably need to reconfigure the current vaccines. Our Political Correspondent iain watson gave us more on the governments vaccine roll out. Thats right, there is one target downing st insist has been met, fulfilling borisjohnsons promise back on the 7th Of January that all elderly care home residents in england would be offered a vaccine. There are some caveats, they point out it is not possible where there are outbreaks of covid in care homes, some elderly residents may not be eligible for those vaccines, but by and large it looks as though they are pretty much on target to deliver that. Now obviously he had a very difficult week last week, when it was confirmed that more than 100,000 people had died within 28 days of getting a covid positive test, all sorts of questions about how the pandemic was being handled by the government but certainly recent Opinion Polls suggest people are satisfied with progress on the vaccines issue. The next big challenge is the 15th of february, when all over 70s as well as Health Care Staff and people who are extremely clinically vulnerable, they should have been offered a vaccine by then. That is still quite a challenge to meet that but Boris Johnson is confident that will happen. If that does happen, then he is hoping a week after that to be able to set out perhaps a slow but steady route mapped out of lockdown, not an immediate escape from lockdown by any means, but possibly getting some schools open again on the 8th of march. But one other thing that will be weighing on his mind will be also whether the vaccines are actually really suppressing the transmissibility of the virus, as well, and there will be a big study on that in the next few weeks, and that will also determine how far he can open up, and what he said today when speaking to reporters was he was hoping we wouldnt be blown off course by other variants. We have had of course the confirmation that there is now going to be door to door testing for example in bits of woking, where two cases were identified as having the virus without having travelled to south africa or indeed anywhere else. So there will be some concerns there. It is hoped the vaccines will still be effective to a degree against any variants, but that too may also ultimately determine whether he can actually offer us any kind of early move out of lockdown. I think it was interesting today, for somebody who likes, whenever possible, to stress some hopes among oui fears, some optimism, that he was saying we could be living with covid for quite some time to come. The snp mpJoanna Cherry says she has been sacked as shadowjustice and Home Affairs Spokesperson in westminster. The snps leader in westminster Ian Blackford mp announced a reshuffle this afternoon, with this being one of a number of changes to his front bench team. Reacting to the news the Edinburgh South west mp tweeted. Lets speak to Glenn Campbell who is the Political Editor of bbc scotland news. It isa it is a reshuffle but she said she was sacked. Just talk us through what might be behind this. I think she has been what might be behind this. I think she has been sacked, what might be behind this. I think she has been sacked, she what might be behind this. I think she has been sacked, she is she has been sacked, she is certainly no longer the partys justice and Home Affairs Spokesperson. One of the ablest and brightest members of the snp group At Westminster, she was very high profile during the Brexit Process, going to court to establish that brexit could be cancelled if the uk government wanted to do that, and also successful in reversing the decision to shut down parliament as the Brexit Process neared its end. She was celebrated for that within the snp, including by Nicola Sturgeon as party leader and first minister, but she has clashed with the leadership in the three key areas that are causing tension in the party right now. Shes been critical of the leadership of mike approach to independence. Shes been critical of the partys plans to change the law and make gender self identification possible. She believes that could compromise womens rights, and she has also been vocal in her support for alex salmond. So all those things have brought her into conflict with the party. Im told that some of our mp colleagues were prepared to write to the group leader and express no confidence in her. They dont see her as a team player, but he has pre empted that by removing her from the front bench team for the snp. She is still an mp, she is still a member of the party, she may feel that she can speak more freely now that she can speak more freely now that she can speak more freely now that she is off the front bench. I think she will also continue to use her legal skills in pushing the causes that she supports, so it certainly dont think we have heard the last from her. You certainly dont think we have heard the last from her. Certainly dont think we have heard the last from her. You talked about the last from her. You talked about the tensions the last from her. You talked about the tensions within the last from her. You talked about the tensions within the the last from her. You talked about the tensions within the party. The last from her. You talked about the tensions within the party. To i the tensions within the party. To what extent will this exacerbate those tensions . What will possibly be the political repercussions of this . ~. ,. , this . Well, in recent days, we have had some members this . Well, in recent days, we have had some members of this . Well, in recent days, we have had some members of the this . Well, in recent days, we have had some members of the party had some members of the party resigning over trends rights, people who feel over trends rights, people who feel they are not properly people who feel they are not property being supported within the party. It may be that those on the other side of the party, those close to joanna other side of the party, those close toJoanna Cherry, may take similar action. Trans rights. There is some suggestion that has already been happening. I dont think we will have heard the last from Joanna Cherry herself, i expect she will continue to play a prominent role in the coming weeks, and of course in the coming weeks, and of course in the coming weeks at holyrood, we expect to hear directly from alex salmond himself, and then a week laterfrom Nicola Sturgeon, as the Holyrood Committee that is investigating the scottish governments mishandling of harassment complaints against mr salmond comes to the end of its work. ~ salmond comes to the end of its work. ,. ,. ,. , salmond comes to the end of its work. ,. ,. , work. Thank you for all those insi. Hts work. Thank you for all those insights and work. Thank you for all those insights and analysis, work. Thank you for all those insights and analysis, glen i insights and analysis, glen campbell, our bbc scotland Political Editor. Theres a claim today that children could lose up to £40,000 each in earnings across their lifetime because of the effect of School Closures during the pandemic. The warning comes from the economic think tank the institute for fiscal studies. Our Education Correspondent Elaine Dunkley has been to one school on merseyside where Head Teachers and staff are working hard to help vulnerable pupils. Morning, you guys, you ok . Egremont primary in wallasey. Morning gorgeous. A school at the heart of the community. Morning. Weve got 107 on average in school each day, out of our 309. Were not turning children away, but were obviously needing to do what were expecting to do in keeping our numbers small, but its a really hard job. Morning, you guys, you ok . Ok, morning guys, can everyone see . The workload that the teachers are doing has, without question, increased significantly. Essentially tripling what they are doing. You know, theyve got their live learning, theyve got the google classroom and then they have the paper learning, if you like. Lockdown has been a challenging time for staff and pupils. I would say the children are quite anxious. They are feeling like, when is this going to end, whats going to happen . We cant socialise with anyone, and school is very different because we have different restrictions. I come into school because i havent got any devices or laptops at home. My teachers are really kind to me and ijust like it in school. This area has high levels of deprivation. One of the biggest concerns is that children will go hungry. In this vicinity, most of the wirral, liverpool, it is Working Poverty and it is child poverty, and its all of those things put together, its everything. Its affected so many more people and children than ever before. Every week the school delivers food parcels to families and the numbers are growing. People are embarrassed, but they shouldnt be. They shouldnt be. Over the past year, life and learning for many has been tough. Here, the challenges had been met with resilience, imagination and, of course, humour. Do you want to tell us what youre going to be doing today, talia . I well, to be honest, i only woke up, like, 45 minutes ago are we 0k . Now and again you just think, wow, 0k, right, what do i need to do next . You cant switch off from it. Elaine dunkley, bbc news. Look at the latest headlines now. Urgent testing is under way after 11 cases of the South African Variant Of Coronavirus, with no links to travel, are identified in england. A crucial milestone in the fight against Coronavirus Confirmation expected later today that all older residents in englands eligible care homes have been offered a vaccine. Detained in a coup myanmar� s aug sang suu kii is one of a number of political leaders held as the military takes control. The European Commission has acknowledged it went too far in its row with astrazeneca last week, and admits it was a mistake to announce controls on coronavirus vaccines to Northern Ireland. Speaking to reporters, a spokesperson for the Eu Commission joked that only the pope is infallible and claimed the mistake was quickly rectified. Our europe correspondent gavin lee has more from brussels. Its the first time the Commission Officials have commented publicly about what went wrong last week, when this intense row with astrazeneca, in which the company could not keep to its vaccine contracts, suspicion in brussels that it was shorting the eu, effectively, from its belgian plants, and sneaking vaccines to the uk. In fact, it had to be raided to double check that, and then ultimately setting about an announcement of controls on friday to stop exports, and then at one point putting in this measure, which would see a border with ireland, with checks in places to stop the vaccine being brought to Northern Ireland. So we heard from the commissions spokesperson today, speaking for an hour, essentially, not a mea culpa, more a justification saying it was a mistake, only the pope is infallible, he said, and the important thing is we justified this very quickly. So it is the first time the European Commission has acknowledged it went too far in this row with astrazeneca. And just a reminder that the Health Secretary matt hancock will be leading the Downing Street briefing today. You can watch it here on bbc news at five o clock. Tens of thousands of people in parts of england are to be urgently tested after more cases of the highly transmissible South African Variant Of Coronavirus were discovered. Two cases were found in surrey and testing kits are being delivered there this afternoon. Testing will also take place in london, kent, hertfordshire and walsall. Previous cases in the uk were traced back to south africa. Dr Emma Hodcroft is a molecular epidemiologist at the university of bern. Good afternoon, thanks so much for being with us. Just talk us through, i mean, we know there are a lot of different variants and potentially more, but the South African Variant, what is it exactly, and how worried should we be about it . So what is it exactly, and how worried should we be about it . Should we be about it . So the variant that should we be about it . So the variant that is should we be about it . So the variant that is predominantly l variant that is predominantly circulating in south africa has a couple of the same mutations as one thatis couple of the same mutations as one that is already in the uk but it has one important difference. It has musician that a position called e484k, and some studies have shown this mutation may allow the virus to re infect people who have already had virus more easily. So what that means is the virus seems able to evade that immune response, evade that immunity from having been previously infected and infect you again, and the main concern here is of course that could impact how well the vaccines work since there also rely on immunity. Now the good news is that preliminary work from the vaccine manufacturers seems to suggest that even though this 484 mutation does decrease the efficacy of the vaccine slightly, it is still Strong Enough to be effective. That is aood Strong Enough to be effective. That is good news. Strong enough to be effective. That is good news, and Strong Enough to be effective. That is good news, and this variant doesnt necessarily make you more ill or more likely to die . Ida. Doesnt necessarily make you more ill or more likely to die . Ill or more likely to die . No, the data coming ill or more likely to die . No, the data coming out ill or more likely to die . No, the data coming out of ill or more likely to die . No, the data coming out of south ill or more likely to die . No, the data coming out of south africa | ill or more likely to die . No, the| data coming out of south africa is earlier and less complete than the data we have for the variant that is mostly in the uk, but so far there isnt any indication that it has a change in the clinical outcome, so how likely you are to go to hospital or die. It does however seem like it is more transmissible, much the same as the uk variant, so there are of course concerns that means it could spread more easily. find course concerns that means it could spread more easily. Spread more easily. And people are obviously worried spread more easily. And people are obviously worried when spread more easily. And people are obviously worried when they spread more easily. And people are obviously worried when they hear i obviously worried when they hear anything about a new variant, and we have had the brazilian in the uk one as well that you mention. Just talk us through what variants are exactly, and inevitably with any virus there will be variants. Exactly, it is important to remember that mutations are part of the life cycle of the virus, part of their lifestyle, so we will always see new combinations of mutations new variants. Scientists have been seeing different variants popping up for a long seeing different variants popping up fora longtime in seeing different variants popping up for a long time in the pandemic now and we have been tracking quite a few of them since the summer of 2020. The reason most people wont have heard about them is that they did not seem to change the way the virus work, so they were still informative a scientist but they didnt see more transmissible or dangerous. What seems to have changed in the last few months as we seem to have identified more variants that seem to have an impact on transmissibility and that is why there is more concern and we are hearing more about them. Band there is more concern and we are hearing more about them. And daddys variants happening hearing more about them. And daddys variants happening all hearing more about them. And daddys variants happening all over hearing more about them. And daddys variants happening all over the variants happening all over the world . In the uk we are hearing about these three happening at the moment, but is this happening everywhere . Moment, but is this happening eve here . ,. ,. , everywhere . It is certainly possible there are more everywhere . It is certainly possible there are more variants everywhere . It is certainly possible there are more variants that everywhere . It is certainly possible there are more variants that we everywhere . It is certainly possible| there are more variants that we just havent picked up yet. Unfortunately the only way to identify these variants is through a process called genetic sequencing, so we look at the r a of the virus. Unfortunately, how much companies can do that is really desperate across the globe. The uk of course is one of the leaders in genetic sequencing and many other European Countries are doing a greatjob as well but there is a lot of the world where we have almost no sequences, but we know they have had big outbreaks, so it is possible there are variants out there that we just havent seen yet because we dont have the technology or the resources all over the world to detect them. find or the resources all over the world to detect them. To detect them. And there is great ho e to detect them. And there is great hope around to detect them. And there is great hope around the to detect them. And there is great hope Around The World to detect them. And there is great hope Around The World and to detect them. And there is great hope Around The World and in to detect them. And there is great hope Around The World and in this| hope Around The World and in this country where the vaccine is going very well, the roll out is going very well, the roll out is going very well, the roll out is going very well, that the vaccine will be our saviour, very well, that the vaccine will be oursaviour, but very well, that the vaccine will be our saviour, but to what extent do you think vaccines will be able to adapt to these variants, notjust this year but in future years in the fight against coronavirus . So this year but in future years in the fight against coronavirus . Fight against coronavirus . So the aood fight against coronavirus . So the good news fight against coronavirus . So the good news is fight against coronavirus . So the good news is these fight against coronavirus . So the good news is these new fight against coronavirus . So the good news is these new types i fight against coronavirus . So the good news is these new types of| fight against coronavirus . So the good news is these new types of mrna vaccine we have heard about, they are actually easier to update than a lot of traditional vaccines and it is very likely you will get regulations in place so we can approve them and get them out really quickly. Of course, what we need to keepin quickly. Of course, what we need to keep in mind is that doesnt overcome the very large logistical and manufacturing hurdles that still lie after we get those approvals done, so even when we approve a vaccine, as we are learning right now, you have to manufacture billions of doses and then get those out into the community, and thats not always so straightforward. So even though im absolutely confident that we can keep these vaccines updated to manage new variants as they arise, i dont think we should be relying on this as a crutch, because getting vaccines out to people over and over and over again isjust not going people over and over and over again is just not going to be logistically an easy thing to do. So we want to get the chances of that as low as possible by keeping cases down as low as possible. Possible by keeping cases down as low as possible. Really good to talk to ou, dr low as possible. Really good to talk to you. Dr emma low as possible. Really good to talk to you, dr emma hod low as possible. Really good to talk to you, dr emma hod croft, low as possible. Really good to talk to you, dr emma hod croft, a to you, dr emma hod croft, a molecular university the government has released the latest figures on coronavirus cases and deaths in the uk. Another 406 people have died within 28 days of a positive virus test, and a further 18,607 cases have been confirmed in the last 24 hour period. The total number of people who have received the first dose of the vaccine now stands at 9,296,367. Iam sure i am sure we will hear from matt hancock about that in his Downing Street briefing at five oclock. World leaders have condemned a Military Coup in myanmar where the army has declared a year long State Of Emergency. The countrys political leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has been arrested three months after her party won a landslide in elections. The army claims they were rigged. Jonathan head reports. The burmese people woke up this morning to see a tv announcer telling them the armed forces had seized power. This mp was one of dozens of politicalfigures rounded up in the hours before dawn. By daybreak, roads in the capital were being blocked by soldiers and armoured vehicles. Somewhere here, the burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi was being detained with the rest of her government. It is nothing short of outrageous, deeply disturbing, and i think what is important is for the International Community first and foremost speak out very clearly, very unequivocally this is unacceptable. Last november, Aung San Suu Kyi and her party were re elected in a landslide. Parliament was supposed to sit this morning to start formalising that victory. But the military had objected to alleged irregularities in the election after its own party had performed badly. The coup leader is Armed Forces Commander Min Aung Hlaing the general accused of genocide by the United Nations for his role in the expulsion of the Muslim Rohingya population three years ago. Back then, Aung San Suu Kyi defended the military, even testifying for them in the Genocide Tribunal in the hague, and so tarnishing her international reputation. Today, she is back in military custody, as she was for many years. The Prime Minister borisjohnson was one of many leaders Around The World who condemned the coup. The military� s supporters arejubilant, and happy to show it. But their party won only 6 of the seats contested in the election. Aung san suu kyis party won 13 times as many. Her supporters are staying low for now, but she has managed to put out a letter, urging them to reject the coup. Translation the army assaulted i people as it carried out a coup i on the civilian government elected by our people. Our country isjust a bird learning to fly, now the army has broken our wings. For now, the soldiers are in charge, as they have been for so much of myanmar� s history. But where do they go from here . Unpopular and illegitimate in the eyes of many burmese, they have given themselves a year in power. After that, we just dont know. Jonathan head, bbc news, bangkok. Two teenage boys have appeared in court charged with murdering 15 year old keon lincoln, who was attacked by a group of people. Keon died in hospital, after he was shot and stabbed in the handsworth area of birmingham last month. A 14 year old boy from birmingham, and a 15 year old boy from walsall, who cant be named because of their ages, will appear at Birmingham Crown court on wednesday. Prince harry has accepted an apology and undisclosed damages from the publishers of the Mail On Sunday and mail online over an article which claimed he had turned his back on the royal marines. Harrys lawyer told a remote hearing of the high court that the prince had made Repeated And Concerted Efforts to support the marines. The prince is to donate the damages to the Invictus Games foundation for sick and wounded services personnel. Now its time for a look at the weather with helen willetts. Good afternoon. It is a little drier for many than yesterday, with some sunshine across parts of scotland and Northern England, but a lot of cloud, as you saw from that misty picture to start with, further south and west, and some rain and hill snow across Northern Ireland. And despite more sunshine, its not particularly warm out there this afternoon, and already weve got Trouble Brewing to the south west. As this moves northwards through the night, initially it will fall as rain in the slightly less cold south and west, but it comes into that cold air for north wales temporarily as snow, but for the midlands, east anglia and particularly Northern England, the hills of Northern Ireland and scotland, there will be some appreciable snow building up at lower levels, but very significant falls potentially through tonight and tomorrow over the hills, as well, with temperatures close to freezing. It will be treacherously icy. Tomorrow, it hardly moves, so places like the Central Lowlands, right the way down into the pennines, heavy showers of hail and thunder follow, after some early sunshine, but it is at least a little milder here in contrast. Im also this is a bbc news special, leading up to todays Downing Street briefing, being led by the Health Secretary, matt hancock. The headlines. Urgent testing is under way after 11 cases of the South African Variant Of Coronavirus, with no links to travel, are identified in england. The Prime Minister says he has full confidence in current vaccines. We are confident that all the vaccines that we are using provide a high degree of immunity and protection against all variants, a crucial milestone in the fight against Coronavirus Confirmation expected later today that all older residents in englands eligible care homes have been offered a vaccine. In total, almost 9. 3 Million People have received their firstjabs in the uk