prime minister. mr speaker, what i can tell- the right honourable gentleman is that, is that all guidance was followed completely. during numberten. tens of thousands of people have spent a fifth night without power in north england and scotland after storm arwen destroyed infrastructure. the government outlines more details of its 10—year plan to reform the social care system in england, including £300 million investment to help people live independently for longer. staff at 58 universities start a three—day strike about pay, pensions and working conditions. the death of a 16—year—old girl in hamilton in south lanarkshire is being treated as murder. a typical uk family will spend £1,700 more on bills and food next year, according to a forecast for bbc panorama. good afternoon. the health secretary sajid javid says there's no need for people to change their plans for christmas because of the omicron variant. but he said it would be sensible for people to take a lateral flow test before going to anywhere crowded. at prime minister's questions, labour leader keir starmer asked borisjohnson whether a christmas party was thrown in downing street during the lockdown last december. the prime minister said "all guidance was followed completely at number 10". meanwhile — in leaked documents seen by the bbc — reveal scientists who advise the government have warned the impact of the omicron variant is highly uncertain and may require a very stringent response. our health correspondent jim reed reports. pharmacies are leading the winter push for vaccines. this, say scientists is the single most important way to protect yourself against covid and the new omicron variant. i don't want to catch covid before christmas, i know this will increase my immunity and i don't want to pass it on to anyone else, particularly my family. more than 14 million people in england alone are eligible for a boosterjab after the government said all adults would be offered that extra dose. boosters will be available at 1500 pharmacy sites and more hubs will be open to the public. the military will be brought in to help alongside volunteer, all those eligible england should have been offered a booster by the end of january with other parts of the uk accelerating the roll out. we are being very ambitious about this, that is exactly what we need to do, and i don't deny for a second it is a huge national mission that will be tough, but as i say, think the nhs and others are up to this. but there is still so much we don't know about the omicron variant. the bbc has seen a leak of minutes from a meeting at the government's science advisers this week. they say officials should prepare for a significant wave of infections that could lead to higher hospital numbers if there is a significant drop in protection from the current vaccines. but they make clear it is too early to know how ill people will become and they say the size of any future wave is uncertain. other scientists say our current jabs with that third dose should still offer good protection against severe disease. the vaccines train our immune system to recognise, we know there is many mutation on the spike protein from this variant. i think we should give science time to do its work, not be overly panicking, of course government have to make their decisions. it may take weeks until we start to get real answers about omicron, in the meantime, the message is to act cautiously, and consider taking a rapid covid test or wearing a mask when getting together. ministers in westminster said again today there is no need to cancel those christmas parties ahead of the busy holiday season. we will talk more about that throughout the afternoon. other elements from the political world as well because the leader of the house of commons, jacob rees—mogg, is under investigation by the parliamentary commissioner for standards. their of the scottish conservatives, douglas ross, is the subject of another inquiry. the commissioner's website says mr rees—mogg is being investigated for a potential breach of the rules on registering outside earnings. damian grammaticas joins me. damian grammaticasjoins me. tell us about the standards commissioner and what is going on. this about the standards commissioner and what is going om— about the standards commissioner and what is going on-_ what is going on. this is 'ust a re ort what is going on. this is 'ust a report or i what is going on. this is 'ust a report or notice �* what is going on. this is 'ust a report or notice that h what is going on. this is 'ust a report or notice that the h what is going on. this isjust a - report or notice that the standards commissioner is investigating so jacob rees—mogg on the one hand, and also douglas ross, leader of the scottish conservatives. no more information than that. but we know there have been, in all the talk recently around mps standards, both men, there were issues raised, douglas ross went forward to put before the commissioner some things he thought she should be aware of. and jacob rees—mogg separately, there was questions... i don't know if this is what the inquiry is empty but questions about a loan he had. of course, that inquiry will be carried out and will follow its proper course.— carried out and will follow its --roer course. ~ ., ,., proper course. indeed. and also, in terms of pmqs, _ proper course. indeed. and also, in terms of pmqs, we _ proper course. indeed. and also, in terms of pmqs, we must _ proper course. indeed. and also, in terms of pmqs, we must talk- proper course. indeed. and also, inj terms of pmqs, we must talk about them. because it was so fraught again and questions about a christmas party but not as people might think, something happening right now, going back one year? exactly. going back to christmas last year. just as we were all discussing what is going to happen for the rest of this month and the prospects look like, we go back to last year because our report today in the daily mirror talking about two different parties, it is reporting, in downing street or involving downing street personnel. one in late november, the 27th of november. another one on the 18th of december. the report talks about a0 or 50 people crammed into a room at the time. there were slightly different rules in those periods, the first might have been during the national lockdown, when indoor gatherings were not allowed. the second, when london was in tier three measures and you are only meant to meet people either in a bubble or outside orfor meant to meet people either in a bubble or outside or for work reasons. what we have got is that report in the daily mirror, boris johnson questioned about this by both the leader of the opposition and the snp leader, ian blackford. keir starmer asked the prem and esther about whether that 18th of december party had happened. the prime minister responded... i can tell you that guidance was followed completely. he did not deny that the party had happened and secure storm... "you must not have a work christmas lunch or party." does the prime minister really expect the country to believe that while people were banned from seeing their loved ones at christmas last year, it was fine for him and his friends to throw a boozy party in downing street? since he asks about what we are asking the country to do this year, mr speaker, which i think is frankly a more relevant consideration, to make sure, as we have said, that you wear masks in, on public transport and in shops, mr speaker, and that you self—isolate if you come into contact with somebody who has omicron, mr speaker, and above all we are strengthening our measures at the borders, and particularly, i think this will be valuable for everybody to hear, get your booster. those questions about the gatherings have been put to downing street, which said it did not want to go into what happened one year ago, it had nothing more to add on that. that is what we were told this afternoon. ian blackford, the snp leader, also question the prime minister about advice from the scientific advisers about the travel advice that has come in. the advice or the fact that anyone arriving into the uk has to take a test two days after arriving. the scientific advisers said it would be valuable to make people have a test before leaving to travel back to the uk. he question the prime minister about that and the prime minister said that and the prime minister said that there were important measures that there were important measures that have been put in place this week, including the booster programme and the day two testing. he felt those were appropriate measures. he felt those were appropriate measures-— he felt those were appropriate measures. ., ~ , ., , . measures. thank you very much. damian grammaticas _ measures. thank you very much. damian grammaticas at - measures. thank you very much. - damian grammaticas at westminster. the government's spending watchdog, the national audit office, says the number of people on nhs waiting lists in england could double to 12 million in a little over three years. it also estimates that the number of referrals for suspected cancer made by gps in england during the pandemic is between a quarter of a million and three—quarters of a million fewer than would have been expected. our health correspondent nick triggle is with me. the topic of cancer is something we have discussed periodically throughout this pandemic, the impact that covid has had on so many conditions. explain what the nio is saying... conditions. explain what the nio is sa inc... . conditions. explain what the nio is sa in... . ., ., saying... the pandemic has had a knock-on effect _ saying... the pandemic has had a knock-on effect and _ saying... the pandemic has had a knock-on effect and there - saying... the pandemic has had a knock-on effect and there have . saying... the pandemic has had a i knock-on effect and there have been knock—on effect and there have been in direct national audit office was looking at both cancer services and delays getting routine operations such as hip replacements. it says tackling the backlog that has emerged in these areas will be huge and lengthy. in terms of cancer, the number of checkups has dropped by perhaps three quarters of a million. that is because people were struggling to access services or were perhaps deterred from coming forward, especially early on in the pandemic. numbers recently have rebounded. those missing checkups, you would expect between 35000 and 60,000 new cancer diagnosis, and these missing cases means people will be diagnosed with the disease later. that reduces their chances of survival. 50 later. that reduces their chances of survival. ., , , , ., ~ survival. so that in itself is stark and the other— survival. so that in itself is stark and the other thing _ survival. so that in itself is stark and the other thing we - survival. so that in itself is stark and the other thing we have - survival. so that in itself is stark i and the other thing we have talked about so much recently, waiting lists. what we call routine surgery but we are often talking about hip replacements and knee replacements, quality issues? the? replacements and knee replacements, quality issues?— quality issues? they absolutely are and surgeons _ quality issues? they absolutely are and surgeons are _ quality issues? they absolutely are and surgeons are very _ quality issues? they absolutely are and surgeons are very distressed . and surgeons are very distressed about the numbers waiting for treatment because these are treatments that can enable people to get back to work and live pain—free so they are very important to the quality of life. the numbers on the waiting lists in england, just over 5.8 million, the highest on record. what the mic 5.8 million, the highest on record. what the nio says is likely to happen in coming years is that will grow and they warned that by 2025 it would be higher than it is right now. the government says it is putting in extra money and in terms of cancer services, there are signs the numbers have rebounded, but that is not quite the case for elective operations, the numbers of operations, the numbers of operations being done are still below pre—pandemic levels and that is part of the reason the waiting list is expected to grow. i think what this shows is the legacy of the pandemic will be felt for quite some time to come. pandemic will be felt for quite some time to come-— pandemic will be felt for quite some time to come. thank you very much. nick triggle- — from today, anyone over the age of 12 travelling from the uk to spain will need to show proof they have been double—vaccinated. previously, a negative pcr test would have been acceptable for entry into the country — but the rules have been tightened because of concern about the new omicron variant. more on all of that to come. one of the other major story here today... the continuing impact of storm arwen. five days after the worst of storm arwen, 30,000 homes are still without power because of catastrophic damage to the electricty network. parts of aberdeenshire have the been worst affected areas — with parts of the north of england also suffering. the business secretary kwasi kwarteng says energy companies are working to restore power. a dedicated team of engineers is working around the clock to restore the network. i'm satisfied that these operators are sharing their resources through mutual aid agreements and through putting engineers to the worst affected areas, and i'm extremely grateful to emergency responders who have also been working very hard to keep people as comfortable as possible, providing torches, blankets and other necessities. and in the next hour i will talk to someone who was badly affected by storm arwen. we will keep you across all of that. the government has outlined more details of its 10—year plan to reform the social care system in england. the plan includes £300 million in housing investment to help people with minor repairs and changes to help independent living, increasing the upper limit. it was to drive greater adoption of technology. the measures are part of an announcement about how ministers plan to reform social care but labour says the plans fall way short of what is required. the care ministerjulian keegan laid out the plans to the commons in the last hour. plans to the commons in the last houn plans to the commons in the last hour. ., plans to the commons in the last hour. . ., ., ., hour. time and time again we have heard about _ hour. time and time again we have heard about the _ hour. time and time again we have heard about the challenges - hour. time and time again we have heard about the challenges in - hour. time and time again we have heard about the challenges in this. heard about the challenges in this house. the high turnover in the workforce, the lottery of how people pay for it. the unsustainable local markets. the varying quality and safety of care. the low uptake of technology. the carers who are not just unpaid but underappreciated and the complexity of the system for everyone involved. i am sure honourable members have their own challenges that they will add to the list. make no mistake, these are complex issues. so complex that successive governments over decades have decided to duck them rather than deal with them. but this government is determined to get it right. after all, you cannot be serious about levelling up unless you are serious about social care. in september we took a vital first step on the route to fixing this generational problem. when the prime minister, the chancellor and the secretary of state announced our new health and a levy. and that focus on how we must pay for it is absolutely right. but we were clear then and we are clear now that there is much more and much else we need to do. this white paper contains more detail on what we plan to do over the next three years. to transform the next three years. to transform the sector over the next decade, the white paper is underpinned by three core principles. first, that everybody has choice, control and support to live independent lives. second, that everyone can access outstanding personalised care and support. and third, that adult social care is fair and accessible for everyone who needs it. find social care is fair and accessible for everyone who needs it. and we can hear reaction _ for everyone who needs it. and we can hear reaction from _ for everyone who needs it. and we can hear reaction from her- for everyone who needs it. and we | can hear reaction from her shadow, liz kendall. can hear reaction from her shadow, liz kendall-— can hear reaction from her shadow, liz kendall. really, mister speaker, is that it? there _ liz kendall. really, mister speaker, is that it? there are _ liz kendall. really, mister speaker, is that it? there are some _ liz kendall. really, mister speaker, is that it? there are some things i is that it? there are some things the minister said that we have been calling for some while, i improving housing options for older and disabled people and the potential for technology to really improve standards of care. but there are two central flaws in this government's approach. ministers have utterly failed to deal with the immediate pressures facing social care as we head into one of the most difficult winters on record. and they have failed to set out the long—term vision and more fundamental reforms we need to deliver a care system fit for the future. the headlines on bbc news... the health secretary says there's no need to cancel your christmas arrangements but urges caution as cases of the omicron variant rise. it comes as leaked documents from scientists who advise the government say the impact of the omicron variant on the uk is "highly uncertain", but officials should prepare now for a potentailly signficant wave of infections while they find out more. staff at 58 universities start a three—day strike over pay, pensions and working conditions. police in scotland are treating the death of a 16—year—old as murder. amber gibson was reported missing from the hamilton area last friday. let's talk to our scotland correspondent alexandra mackenzie. what do we know so far? well, it was here in a park behind me on sunday morning that amber gibson's body was found. she had left home on friday evening at a quarter past nine and she lived in the hill area of hamilton. that is a short walk from where we are now. there was a last known sighting of her a little bit later at 9:55am in the town centre, which is a very short walk from here and police say that it would have been very busy at that it would have been very busy at that time so they are appealing for anyone else who saw her to come forward for that information. she was reported missing on saturday and as i said, her body was discovered here on sunday morning. police have given a press conference here a little bit earlier today and they have said that there is still an increased presence in the area, they are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward. they have said that is very important and they are trying to piece together amber gibson's last moments to find out exactly what happened to her. they say they will be doing that via cctv footage and they will be doing door—to—door inquiries and they said they are very much relying on members of the community to come forward and give what they describe as vital bits of information. they also said that their thoughts are very much with amber's loved ones and they are being supported at this time alexandra mackenzie, thank you. the latest in hamilton in lanarkshire. thank you. just a line that has come through in the last few minutes about the coverage of the ashes, bt sport and relationship michael vaughan and the yorkshire cricket situation that i am sure you will be aware of. we are just looking at the statement from bt sport which says it has decided to take its commentary feed from the australian host broadcaster. they are concerned about recent events and controversy and we have taken the decision that including michael vaughan in our ashes coverage would not be editorially appropriate and would not fit with bt sport's valleys. we are still finalising plans but they want to extend how they plan to cover the ashes as a of this. they clearly will do some of that via the australian host broadcaster. it suggests there is more information to come but that is the essence of that, bt sport are deciding not to use anything that involves michael vaughan for their upcoming ashes coverage. there is clearly more information to come through on this but we are edging towards the sports bulletin just after half past so i am sure there will be more for my colleagues. just after half past. staff from 58 universities across the uk have begun a three—day strike. it's to protest about their pay, pensions and working conditions, and there are worries more strikes could take place if a deal cannot be reached. our education correspondent elaine dunkley reports. university staff on strike. angry about pensions, pay and working conditions. it's destroyed my faith in education. i've been in higher education for 30 years. and ijust feel it needs a radical, radical change. many protesting say this is about protecting pensions, and say vice chancellors want to make changes to the scheme they are on based on a flawed evaluation of finances. our members are looking at a 35% cut to their guaranteed pension, and we are arguing it is not necessary. the key reason why is, the valuation that suggested there was a deficit and therefore a need to change, that was conducted in march last year. there was a global economic shutdown and obviously the pensions scheme has bounced back into much better health. universities uk, which represents iao institutions, says the changes are needed to plug the funding gap. students support staff on strike! but caught in the middle of this bitter dispute are students. there have been previous strikes, and after 18 months of disruption due to the pandemic and fees of £9,000 a year, they are also worried about their futures. a lot of people are very angry because theyjust don't think it's fair that after a year of strikes followed by a year and a half of online learning, they have just got back to normal, things are just about starting to get back into the swing and then we are being, we are facing possibly months of strikes. we are also paying for our staff to get paid decent pay- and have decent working - conditions, which they are not getting, so we should be in solidarity with them, i because their fight is our fight. vice chancellors say they are working to reduce the impact on students. there are many things that we can do in universities to make sure that the students don't suffer. we can change deadlines, we can change teaching methods, we can change assessments, we can change personnel, there's all sorts of things that we can do. it's the start of three days of industrial action, and with no resolution in sight, staff and students are preparing for more disruption. elaine dunkley, bbc news, in leeds. a typical uk family will spend £1,700 more on bills and food next year, according to a forecast for bbc panorama. much of that is down to the increase of fuel and energy prices, but it's also a result of problems in the uk's supply chain — from the shortage of hgv drivers to vegetable pickers and food processors. jane corbin reports. what's for dinner today? roast on a sunday. this family in redford in nottinghamshire are struggling with rising prices. nicki, a nurse and husband, martin, who works for a builders' merchants are on average incomes. we try and budget very carefully around food, whereas going back a couple of years, we'd just buy whatever we wanted to. on top of sharp hikes in their energy bills, nicki is finding the prices of many items in their weekly shop have gone up. margarine. that's definitely, definitely doubled in price. meat, definitely that's gone up. yoghurts, definitely. they've gone up for sure. research done for panorama tracked prices of some essentialfood items, fuel and energy in the run—up to christmas. our analysis shows that inflation is expected to stand above a.5% by the time christmas comes around. and for a typical household in the uk, that means that their monthly spending will be around £109 higher than it was for the same basket of goods and services last year, this time. across the uk's supply chain, there are shortages of lorry drivers and seasonal workers as a result of brexit and covd. the government also says some of the challenges are due to global pressures. it offered 30,000 visas for seasonal workers, but growers say that's not enough. in lincolnshire, one company has offered tempting wages to try to lure british workers. we had airline pilots apply and all sorts. there was only actually probably ten that could do the job. the government says a long—term answer to the labour shortage is investment in technology like roboveg, a machine that picks broccoli. well, we've set it up to be as fast as a team of seven people in the field. a machine like this will cost nearly £a00,000, a significant investment. and it can't solve richard's problems right now. these machines aren't really going to be commercially used for another two or three years. and until we get there, you need the people to do the work. with all their costs, labour and energy rising, too, this grower says the increases will eventually have to be passed on to consumers. the government says it will carry on working with industry to tackle ongoing challenges. jane corbin, bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather with darren bett. hello, there. it is turning colder from the north at the moment, the winds are turning into more of a northerly direction and we've still got some quite strong and gusty winds around, which continues to be the case overnight for northern and eastern parts of the uk. some rain is moving southwards across england and wales and those temperatures are already dropping off early this evening. we see the back of that rain across the south, those showers streaming onto these north sea coast into east anglia, turning more wintry, most of the snow even to lower levels will be in scotland. some showers, northern ireland, turning wintry as they move into wales and the south west. where we keep those showers, this is where we're going to find the iciest conditions because it will be a much colder night tonight. widespread frost and the lowest temperatures in scotland. soon see the back of those showers in south wales, south—west england. we'll keep some running on to the north sea coasts and into east anglia, and those will become fewer during the afternoon. many places tomorrow having a dry day, quite a bit of sunshine, except in northern ireland, where we've got more cloud coming in here quickly. and that cloud will stream its way into western parts of scotland in the afternoon. but ahead of it, it's colder than today. highs of only three, four orfive degrees. hello, this is bbc news, with me, jane hill. the headlines. there's no need to cancel your christmas arrangements says the health secretary. but he urges caution as cases of the omicron variant rise. it comes as leaked documents from scientists who advise the government say the impact of the omicron variant on the uk is "highly uncertain", but officials should prepare now for �*a potentially signficant wave' of infections, while they find out more. the prime minister says �*all guidance was followed' when asked whether a christmas party was held at downing street during lockdown last year. tens of thousands of people have spent a fifth night without power in north england and scotland after storm arwen destroyed infrastructure. the government outlines more details of its 10—year plan to reform the social care system in england including £300 million investment to help people live independently for longer staff at 58 universities start a three—day strike about pay, pensions and working conditions the death of a 16—year—old girl in hamilton in south lanarkshire is being treated as murder a typical uk family will spend £1,700 more on bills and food next year, according to a forecast for bbc panorama. sport now, and a full round—up from the bbc sport centre. the lawn tennis association, the world tennis association and the all england club have all thanked the former british number onejohanna konta after she announced her retirement from tennis. the 30—year old said she was very grateful for her career. konta won four titles on the wta tour, and reached the semi—finals at wimbledon in 2017, eventually losing to simona halep. but that took her to the position of world number four that year — the highest ranking by a british woman since virginia wade in 1978. however, konta has struggled with her fitness. an abdominal injury, then contracting covid, meant she missed both wimbledon and the olympics this year. she's also been sufferring from heart palpitations. what has been so wonderful about her career is that it came as such a surprise to see her transform herself from a player who was outside the top 100 and really struggled to close out matches into somebody who in the space of ten months became a top 20 player, the australian open semifinal in 2016 where she beat venus williams in the first round and prestigious titles in sydney and miami and a wimbledon semifinal in 2070 and very nearly a french open final in 2090 and in many ways that was the one that got away. and she got into a winning position. there have been frustrations in the last couple of years, lock downs, a covid diagnosis and persistent knee problems but she is ready for the next chapter of her life and she can look back at a phenomenal career in which she established herself as one of the very best of british players of the modern era. ellen white and england women both broke records last night in their world cup qualifier against latvia. it finished 20—0 — england's largest ever scoreline. striker white got a hattrick, helping her become england women's top scorer with a8 goals. so, after surpassing those records, what's next for ellen and england? we move on and don't mention it ever again. wejust keep going. you know, i will hopefully be selected again for england and i will do whatever it can for this team, scoring goals, performing, but i'm not stopping now. i love playing for england and i hope we can do something special together. tonight in the premier league, rafael benitez will become the first man in more than a century to take charge of both liverpool clubs in a merseyside derby. former liverpool manager benitez has endured a tough start since taking over at everton, with his side without a win in seven games. i think it's a massive game for us. we have had a bad run now and we need to start winning and a derby is always an opportunity to put things right. so a massive game for us and we are thinking aboutjust getting three points. ben stokes has been settling back into the england squad in preperation for the ashes in australia — meeting up with them for the first time since july. the england all—rounder took time out of the game to have a second operation on his finger, and to concentrate on his mental health. with just a week to go until the start of the first test in brisbane, england have had to train indoors because of the weather. their warm—up inter squad four day match was rained off. however, spin bowlerjack leach says stokes's inclusion has boosted morale within the squad. he is looking really good, and he has fitted back into the group brilliantly. it's great to have him back around and, yeah, he's been brilliant and he is such a team man and i think the group is only better for having him in it. he brings experience and yeah, he really brings the boys together, so, that's been really good. fiend brings the boys together, so, that's been really good.— brings the boys together, so, that's been really good. and former england ca tain been really good. and former england captain michael— been really good. and former england captain michael vaughan _ been really good. and former england captain michael vaughan has - been really good. and former england captain michael vaughan has been - captain michael vaughan has been dropped from bt sport coverage of the ashes following the accusation made by former yorkshire cricketer is that he made a racist comment to a group of asian players. michael vaughan denies the accusation. don't forget there's live snooker on bbc 2 right now, and updates on the bbc sport website from the fourth round of the uk snooker championship. ronnie o'sullivan playing thailand's noppon saengkham. he's losing 2 frames to 1. new figures from the ons show 688 homeless people died in england and wales in 2020. this is a decrease from 778 in 2019 — and is the first fall in the number of estimated deaths since 201a. the figures are affected by the everyone in scheme — where homeless people were provided with emergency accommodation during the pandemic. joining me now is dr zana khan who is a specialist gp in homeless and inclusion health. good afternoon. thank you so much for your time. good afternoon. thank you so much foryourtime. first good afternoon. thank you so much for your time. first of all, in terms of the decrease, the ons says there is a decrease, the first decrease for quite a few years and on the face of it, i assume, as a lay person in that field, that is positive, but from your understanding and knowledge of the field, what are those figures say to you? it field, what are those figures say to ou? , , ., ., ., you? it is interesting data, and it's difficult — you? it is interesting data, and it's difficult to _ you? it is interesting data, and it's difficult to make _ you? it is interesting data, and it's difficult to make an - you? it is interesting data, and - it's difficult to make an assessment of this data. it's a relatively small decrease and i suppose in my head and how accurate is this, we know there are issues and there are issues with data capture and it's not a mandatory data required. and in lots of other health services, so it's difficult to know firstly if all of the data is being captured and we know housing aspects along with other determinants of health and the environmental factors that impact health care like ourjobs and income due impact on our health outcomes, so it's important we understand what is being captured and we know reporting is also difficult. not everybody who is homeless will be identified as homeless will be identified as homeless and it's not a requirement on death certificates yet and probably should be and you are right, every bot — everyone in did have an impact and it was a huge part of mine and my colleagues work and it's obvious that something so clearly positive, bringing people in, giving them somewhere safe where they can be fed, where they can access health care and support and mental health and drug and alcohol support will have a positive impact on the data from that in terms of the qualitative research shows it had a positive impact on people's mental wellbeing and on their use of drug and alcohol and other substances and reducing isolation and loneliness, so definitely a profound impact. fiend and loneliness, so definitely a profound impact.— and loneliness, so definitely a profound impact. and that is so interesting- _ profound impact. and that is so interesting. i _ profound impact. and that is so interesting. i hear— profound impact. and that is so interesting. i hear what - profound impact. and that is so interesting. i hear what you - profound impact. and that is so interesting. i hear what you say about the difficulties and perhaps the lack of clarity around the figures but nonetheless, you are talking about the real positives there from the scheme. what would people who like you work in the field all the time like to see in terms of going forward. you outlined so many benefits, mental and physical and that is what is interesting, i think. physical and that is what is interesting, ithink. absolutely. and auoin interesting, ithink. absolutely. and going forward _ interesting, ithink. absolutely. and going forward there - interesting, ithink. absolutely. and going forward there have . interesting, ithink. absolutely. i and going forward there have been large tranches of funding from the government, both for health care and for local authorities to continue the good work started during the pandemic and we could only have dreams of the benefits and things like a pan— london drug and alcohol service, which we had never seen before and we've seen lots of funding around mental health and homelessness which allowed us to expand service provision and local authorities have been able to access larger amounts of funding to enhance existing supported housing provision, additional support and enhancing substance misuse services and creating more cold weather provision and in health care we also had just recently a big tranche of funding to improve the provision of specialist homeless health care services in hospitals and the community with step up and step down provision, so as a gp working in the field and clinically leading services like this for the best part of a decade, we have seen a big change and a bigger recognition of the value and importance of that type of collaborative working and good resourcing to allow us to really make a positive impact. what it doesn't do is change the wider problems around the lack of housing, the lack of places of care, supported accommodation and cuts to benefits. those are things that are always going to have a detrimental effect, so we are a innate kind of push pull where we have lots of lots of positive impact but trying to sustain it on a background of other challenges in health, housing care and support. challenges in health, housing care and swoon-— challenges in health, housing care and support. that is so interesting. have ou and support. that is so interesting. have you had _ and support. that is so interesting. have you had experiences - and support. that is so interesting. have you had experiences where i and support. that is so interesting. | have you had experiences where you have been able to intervene and been able to help someone with, for example, a drug addiction or been able to really help improve the health but then that person is still perhaps a long way from being able to get any form of work and if you can't get the work, you might not get any housing and then how do you get any housing and then how do you get anyone out of the cycle? what get anyone out of the cycle? what ou get anyone out of the cycle? what you describe _ get anyone out of the cycle? what you describe is _ get anyone out of the cycle? what you describe is the _ get anyone out of the cycle? what you describe is the cycle _ get anyone out of the cycle? wrist you describe is the cycle and the way we manage that is ensuring that every opportunity we are addressing a range of problems, so somebody isn't accessing benefits they are not entitled to, we support them to access those benefits and we link them with key services both in terms of health and community based services and voluntary sector services and voluntary sector services but there is still more that can be done and a huge lack of supported accommodation for people who need a longer term support in order to transition into independence. there is a lack of dry houses and rehabilitation places, and also for things like inpatient detox, so there is more that can be done. we are making good progress, but we can't let those things slip and slide backwards again to a point where people are walking a fine line and falling off the tightrope, and at the moment, things are tricky, financially and economically for many people and it's important we create good safeguards so that people are not falling off that very thin tightrope they are trying to walk in terms of maintaining housing, maintaining income and food and those are essentials, and that is where we need to focus on our support in terms of preventative measures. support in terms of preventative measures-— support in terms of preventative measures. . , , ., ., ~ measures. really interesting to talk to ou and measures. really interesting to talk to you and thank _ measures. really interesting to talk to you and thank you _ measures. really interesting to talk to you and thank you for— measures. really interesting to talk to you and thank you for your - measures. really interesting to talk to you and thank you for your time. | measures. really interesting to talk | to you and thank you for your time. | the health secretary says there's no need to cancel your christmas arrangements but urges caution as cases of the omicron variant rise. it comes as leaked documents from scientists who advise the government say the impact of the omicron variant on the uk is "highly uncertain", but officials should prepare now for �*a potentailly signficant wave' of infections, while they find out more. tens of thousands of people face a sixth night without power following outages in north england and scotland caused by storm arwen. a team in cambridge has shown that an off—the—shelf air filter can potentially remove almost all infectious airborne coronavirus from a hospital ward. scientists at the universityjoined with doctors at addenbrooke's hospital to see just how much difference an air filter makes — and their experiment produced dramatic results, that could be used to make hospitals and other public buildings safer. here's our science correspondent richard westcott. there's evidence that the coronavirus can spread through tiny droplets floating in the air. when people cough, laugh, sneeze, even breathe. so intensive care doctor vilas had an idea. would off the shelf air purifiers stop the virus floating around a covid ward? the results were dramatic. they tested the air without the machines, first of all, and, for five days, they found tiny droplets of the virus floating around. then they switched the machines on and the virus went, for five days. then they switched them back off again and the virus came back. so, vilas, basically, this was a hunch, wasn't it? yeah, it was. it was an idea. we didn't know it would work. i didn't know it would work. and luckily managed to get together a group of people, uh, engineers, scientists, doctors. and we went for it. when you got the results, what did you think? well, i think it's fair to say that we were all fairly gobsmacked by the results. uh, we were able to, uh, show that the covid virus was was in the air, measure how much is there, prove that we could get rid of it. it sounds simple, but finding a scientifically robust way of sampling the air is complex. vilas borrowed this device off a friend. it's normally used to test for anthrax. it traps all the viruses and bugs in a liquid which they analysed at a nearby lab specialising in infectious diseases. they used the same technique that does the pcr covid tests you send away. so if you're honest, then when vilas first came to you with the idea you didn't think it would work? i was very dubious about not whether the filtration devices would work, but about whether'd we be able to detect things in the air at a sufficient level to actually show that it was there. now, i know you found the coronavirus, but you found a whole load of other stuff, too. what was it? and was it potentially harmful? yeah, that was a bit of a surprise. the amount of things that we detected in the air was quite a lot. we detected a range of different viruses. of different bacteria, but also fungi. some of them are potentially problematic for human health. what we don't know is if there's sufficient amounts in the air to cause an infection and whether it's a great risk. most covid wards are makeshift. they simply aren't designed to filter the air. it needs more research. but this hunch experiment has the potential to make hospitals and other places safer. i hope we can develop a metal detector for measuring the cleanliness of air. um, proving it is clear, clean and doing that notjust in hospitals, but there's clearly a potential role, if we are correct, for deploying such capability in care homes and schools. richard westcott, bbc news, cambridge. the number of people on nhs waiting lists in england could double to 12 million in a little over three years, according to new figures from the ons. it also estimates that the number of referrals for suspected cancer made by gps in england during the pandemic is between a quarter of a million and three—quarters of a million fewer than would have been expected. joining me now is steven mcintosh from macmillan cancer support. hello, stephen, good afternoon. good afternoon. hello, stephen, good afternoon. good afternoon- do — hello, stephen, good afternoon. good afternoon. do the _ hello, stephen, good afternoon. good afternoon. do the figures _ hello, stephen, good afternoon. good afternoon. do the figures first - hello, stephen, good afternoon. good afternoon. do the figures first of - afternoon. do the figures first of all rin . s afternoon. do the figures first of all rings true? _ afternoon. do the figures first of all rings true? is _ afternoon. do the figures first of all rings true? is this _ afternoon. do the figures first of all rings true? is this what - afternoon. do the figures first of all rings true? is this what your. all rings true? is this what your charity estimates is the scenario? yes, these figures are similar to the macmillan cancer support analysis with hundreds of thousands of fewer people being checked out with suspected cancer systems but also tens of thousands of fewer people starting cancer treatment that we would have otherwise expected and this means there are anxious people on waiting lists waiting to kick off cancer treatment but it also means there will be people sat at home who might have a lump or bump or unexplained pain and iwant to lump or bump or unexplained pain and i want to send a message to them that you are a priority for the nhs and you must get in contact with your gp to get symptoms checked out but there is an important message for the government as they prepare to publish plans about how the nhs will run and they have to demonstrate how cancer will be prioritised in that recovery. to our prioritised in that recovery. to your first point, prioritised in that recovery. to yourfirst point, i'll prioritised in that recovery. to your first point, i'll be prioritised in that recovery. to yourfirst point, i'll be in prioritised in that recovery. to your first point, i'll be in a yourfirst point, i'll be in a situation where people did report a concern of some nature early on in the pandemic, but simply because of the pandemic, but simply because of the pandemic, but simply because of the pandemic, their treatment has been slowed down or it did not start as quickly as it would have done prior to the pandemic. is it literally that brutal? is that what we are talking about?— we are talking about? there are several problems _ we are talking about? there are several problems to _ we are talking about? there are i several problems to people getting diagnosed with cancer at lots of stages and we've seen people come forward with symptoms to get it checked out and that's because people have been nervous and wanted to put pressure on the nhs and they have got to change their mind and come forward with their gp because the certain thing is the earlier we catch cancer, the better your survival chances but further down the journey there have been survival chances but further down thejourney there have been big bottlenecks of people getting access either through diagnostics to check if they have cancer and then the treatment capacity in surgery and chemotherapy and radiotherapy, so there are some things all the public can do to make sure we are coming forward with any of those symptoms to your gp but the government has to take action to make sure the nhs has capacity when people arrive in the system so they don't face long waits when they need urgent cancer treatment. when they need urgent cancer treatment-— when they need urgent cancer treatment. ., ., ., ._ treatment. right here and now today, do ou feel treatment. right here and now today, do you feel the _ treatment. right here and now today, do you feel the system _ treatment. right here and now today, do you feel the system is _ treatment. right here and now today, do you feel the system is better? - treatment. right here and now today, do you feel the system is better? if i do you feel the system is better? if there is someone watching you who thinks, i'm going to do it, i will make that point with my gp, i've had this lump four weeks and not do anything about it, would you be able to say to that individual that if you get the bad news and you need treatment, that the treatment will now progress as it should, as timely as it should?— as it should? yes. people have to hear the message _ as it should? yes. people have to hear the message that _ as it should? yes. people have to hear the message that gps - as it should? yes. people have to hear the message that gps are i as it should? yes. people have to i hear the message that gps are there for them and it might take a bit more time to get in touch and get checked out that the nhs is there and open for them to access diagnosis and treatment but the problem is easy to taking longer but it is so important for cancer that we get a fast diagnosis and treatment and that is where we need the government to take action. we haven't got sufficient capacity at the moment to make sure it happens fast enough in diagnosis but also in the surgery and treatment capacity there are risks that it might get worse this winter as nhs pressure increases, so we need to see urgent action from the government to make sure cancer is a priority and they expand capacity for cancer treatment to make sure people don't wait as long but also catch up on the backlogs which means people face some of these agonising and traumatic waits to make sure they can get their cancer diagnosed and treated. it can get their cancer diagnosed and treated. , ,., ' . can get their cancer diagnosed and treated. ' . , , treated. it is so difficult, because anecdotally. _ treated. it is so difficult, because anecdotally, robert _ treated. it is so difficult, because anecdotally, robert a _ treated. it is so difficult, because anecdotally, robert a huge - treated. it is so difficult, because l anecdotally, robert a huge amount treated. it is so difficult, because - anecdotally, robert a huge amount of people watching know someone who has been diagnosed with a cancer of some type during the pandemic and we all know that there are good examples out there and people have had the right treatment and on time and some things are still working well for cancer. are you aware, as a charity, of situations where that hasn't happened and i suppose my point is, is there a lot of geographical variation? does itjust depends where you live? how come we sometimes hear of excellent stories and people get treated immediately but sometimes there is a flip side? yes. nhs professionals, the cancer teams, have done incredible work to try and keep cancer services going through the pandemic are many people have experienced great quality care and progress through the system without delay but we know significant numbers have had a really difficult time waiting for the next stage of their surgery or treatment and that has been delayed or cancelled. that is because covid has hit different parts of the country in different ways and there are health service pressures including the amount of workforce we have got, in frontline staff, which is different in different parts of the country. these also represent underlying weaknesses in the cancer system and we were off the waiting times target before the pandemic so that, as to show how it will take action now to prioritise cancer care to make sure people access timely diagnosis and treatment and they have to invest in the cancer workforce in the long term or we will not clear the backlog is and if any of us in the future sit in a doctor's surgery and get the news they have cancer, we can guarantee we will get urgent treatment. but we know this is really difficult if you are waiting for a diagnosis and you are waiting for a diagnosis and you are going through treatment and you are going through treatment and you are experiencing delay and disruption, macmillan cancer support is their view and we have nurses on the end of the phone able to offer advice and support and help you through the process. behind every one of the statistics is someone alone, potentially, really isolated and worried about the impact of any delay or disruption in their cancer care. , , , ., care. yes, the helplines are fantastically _ care. yes, the helplines are fantastically valuable - care. yes, the helplines are fantastically valuable and i care. yes, the helplines are - fantastically valuable and people listening to you will hear all of that and they will say, well, i absolutely accept every word you say but by the same token there will be people watching you say, i've been waiting years for a hip replacement or a knee replacement, all the things we talk about day in, day out that have also been hit by the pandemic. i wonder what you say to government about how on earth you prioritise, because those people are valid as well. prioritise, because those people are valid as well-— valid as well. these are very difficult decisions _ valid as well. these are very difficult decisions for - valid as well. these are very - difficult decisions for governments, for nhs managers, forfront line nhs professionals. the government will publish how it will manage the prioritisation in its nhs recovery plan. we need to see that combination of long—term backlogs but also a urgent care, so some examples about how the government can do that, they need to make sure that the opportunities they have got to use the private sector, so independent sector hospitals to focus then on cancer treatment to make sure nhs hospitals can treat covid patients and manage other conditions in the health service. that's why we need to see that plan and that specific focus on the priority in cancer care because unless you catch cancer early and treated fast, it's more difficult to treat, more complicated and likely to increase pressure on the nhs in the future, so we can't afford to not prioritise cancer care now. steven mackintosh from macmillan cancer support, thank you very much. all the days main stories coming up. now it's time for a look at the weather with darren. hello there. yesterday was a mild day. today, though, it has been turning colder and we've still got some strong and gusty winds around, the really strong winds are actually heading their way into germany. could bring some damage. we've got colder air moving down from the north behind that weather front there, which is taking some rain southwards across england and wales. and we still have those gusty winds around, particularly around coastal areas. and it will stay windy overnight across northern and eastern areas of the uk and it's getting colder from the north. so these are the temperatures early on in the evening. still got some rain to clear away from the far south of england and south wales, that will move through. and then that cold air comes pushing down across all areas. we can trace the cold air all the way up towards the barents sea and that will stream in these showers, mainly running through the north sea. they'll bump into those north sea coastal areas and turn wintry, some snow more likely even to lower levels in northern scotland. a few showers for northern ireland, turning wintry as they move into wales and the south—west. and with those showers continuing overnight, this is where we're going to find most of the ice forming. there will be a widespread frost around with the lowest temperatures likely to be in scotland. heading into tomorrow, we see the back of those showers in south wales, south—west england. we'll keep a few wintry showers running on to some of those north sea coasts and into east anglia. they do become fewer in the afternoon. many places having a dry day, plenty of sunshine. but there's more cloud coming into northern ireland quickly and then later on into western parts of scotland. ahead of that, though, temperatures maybe no better than three, four orfive degrees, despite the sunshine, so a colder day than today. so we're setting up that cold air at the moment across the uk. but if we look out further west, there's milder air trying to come in from the atlantic briefly. where we have the two, where the two meet, we have a weather front that could bring some snow during thursday evening to scotland just for a short while over the pennines welsh hills, perhaps some sleetiness down through the midlands and east anglia for a while, but it's only for a short while because it turns back to rain again and that rain is still hanging round, perhaps across more southern parts of england. threatening to go back into the south—west. later on should be a bit brighter. further north, perhaps some sunshine around. it starts to cool off a little bit across northern areas. and we've got a whole rush of showers arriving in the north—west of scotland, later into northern ireland. these could be heavy. and it's quite a windy start to the weekend, particularly for northern areas on saturday. some showers around. sunday does look like it will be much drier with some sunshine. but still chilly. this is bbc news. i'm jane hill. the headlines... there's no need to cancel your christmas arrangements, says the health secretary — though he urges caution as cases of the omicron variant rise. i don't think people need to change their plans. i think these are the right measures and there is no need to put any more in place at this point in time. it comes as leaked documents from scientists who advise the government say the impact of the omicron variant on the uk is "highly uncertain" — but officials should prepare now for a potentially signficant wave of infections while they find out more. the prime minister says �*all guidance was followed' when asked whether a christmas party was held at downing street during lockdown last year. was a christmas party thrown in downing street for dozens of people on december 18th? prime minister. mr speaker, what i can tell- the right honourable gentleman is that...is that all guidance was followed completely. during numberio. tens of thousands of people face a sixth night without power following outages in north england and scotland caused by storm arwen. the government outlines more details of its ten—year plan to reform the social care system in england, including £300 million investment to help people live independently for longer. staff at 58 universities start a three—day strike about pay, pensions and working conditions. the death of a 16—year—old girl in hamilton in south lanarkshire is being treated as murder. a typical uk family will spend £1,700 more on bills and food next year, according to a forecast for bbc panorama. good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. the health secretary sajid javid says there's no need for people to change their plans for christmas because of the omicron variant. but he said it would be sensible for people to take a lateral flow test before going to anywhere crowded. at prime minister's questions, the labour leader keir starmer asked borisjohnson whether a christmas party was thrown in downing street during the lockdown last december. the prime minister said all guidance was followed completely at number 10. meanwhile, leaked documents seen by the bbc reveal scientists who advise the government have warned the impact of the omicron varient is highly uncertain and may require a very stringent response. our health correspondent jim reed reports. pharmacies are leading the winter push for vaccines. this, say scientists, is the single most important way to protect yourself against covid and the new omicron variant. i don't want to catch covid before christmas, i know this will increase my immunity and i don't want to pass it on to anyone else, particularly my family. more than 1a million people in england alone are eligible for a boosterjab after the government said all adults would be offered that extra dose. boosters will be available at 1500 pharmacy sites and more hubs will be open to the public. the military will be brought in to help alongside volunteers, all those eligible england should have been offered a booster by the end of january with other parts of the uk accelerating the roll out. we are being very ambitious about this, that is exactly what we need to do, and i don't deny for a second it is a huge national mission that will be tough, but as i say, think the nhs and others are up to this. but there is still so much we don't know about the omicron variant. the bbc has seen a leak of minutes from a meeting at the government's science advisers this week. they say officials should prepare for a significant wave of infections that could lead to higher hospital numbers if there is a significant drop in protection from the current vaccines. but they make clear it is too early to know how ill people will become and they say the size of any future wave is uncertain. other scientists say our current jabs with that third dose should still offer good protection against severe disease. the vaccines train our immune system to recognise spike protein, we know there is many mutation on the spike protein from this variant. i think we should give science time to do its work, not be overly panicking, of course government have to make their decisions. it may take weeks until we start to get real answers about omicron, in the meantime, the message is to act cautiously, and consider taking a rapid covid test or wearing a mask when getting together. ministers in westminster said again today there is no need to cancel those christmas parties ahead of the busy holiday season. the pm faced some questions about a christmas party in the commons this lunchtime — let's talk to our political correspondent damian grammaticas. it is something that goes back very nearly one year. explain how it has emerged at this stage?— nearly one year. explain how it has emerged at this stage? because the dail mirror emerged at this stage? because the daily mirror newspaper— emerged at this stage? because the daily mirror newspaper says - emerged at this stage? because the daily mirror newspaper says it - emerged at this stage? because the daily mirror newspaper says it has . daily mirror newspaper says it has sources who have told it that two parties were held one year ago in the run—up to christmas, late november, and on the 18th of december. the one on the 18th of december, it seems a prime minister was not there but the daily mirror talks about a0 or 50 people cramming into a room and having a gathering, a party of some sort, at the time. this was at a time when london was in tier 3 restrictions, gatherings indoors were not allowed. and so this is why the prime minister was questioned today by both the labour leader and the snp leader, in westminster. both of him pressed this during prime minister's questions. the prime minister was asked by keir starmer if there was a party on the 18th of december and he did not deny it. he simply said that all guidance was followed completely. but keir starmer came back, saying, well, it would seem all guidance may not have been followed and he quoted the rules... "you must not have a work christmas lunch or party." does the prime minister really expect the country to believe that while people were banned from seeing their loved ones at christmas last year, it was fine for him and his friends to throw a boozy party in downing street? since he asks about what we are asking the country to do this year, mr speaker, which i think is frankly a more relevant consideration, to make sure, as we have said, that you wear masks in, on public transport and in shops, mr speaker, and that you self—isolate if you come into contact with somebody who has omicron, mr speaker, and above all we are strengthening our measures at the borders, and particularly, i think this will be valuable for everybody to hear — get your booster. the labour leader said that at a time back then when people were told they could not meet family and friends, this was a case again of one rule for the prime minister and one rule for the prime minister and one for everybody else. the snp leader reflected that ought repeated that also but boris johnson leader reflected that ought repeated that also but borisjohnson insisted that also but borisjohnson insisted that the guidance was followed and said that in the situation now, coming up to christmas, this year he said the government was taking measures that it has brought in this week to try to ensure that any new wave from this new variant is kept under control. for wave from this new variant is kept under control.— wave from this new variant is kept under control. for now, thanks very much. under control. for now, thanks very much- damian _ under control. for now, thanks very much. damian grammaticas. - the government's spending watchdog, the national audit office, says the number of people on nhs waiting lists in england could double to £12 million in a little over three years. it also estimates that the number of referrals for suspected cancer made by gps in england during the pandemic is between a quarter of a million and three—quarters of a million fewer than would have been expected. earlier i spoke to our health correspondent, nick triggle, who has been looking at the detail for us. the national audit office was looking at cancer services and delays getting routine operations such as hip replacements. it says tackling the backlog that has emerged in these areas will be huge and lengthy. in terms of cancer, the number of checkups has dropped by perhaps three quarters of a million. that is because people were struggling to access services or were perhaps deterred from coming forward, especially early on in the pandemic. numbers recently have rebounded. those missing checkups, you would expect between 35000 and 60,000 new cancer diagnosis, and these missing cases means people will be diagnosed with the disease later. that reduces their chances of survival. so that in itself is stark and the other thing we have talked about so much recently, waiting lists. what we call routine surgery but we are often talking about hip replacements and knee replacements, quality issues? they absolutely are and surgeons are very distressed about the numbers waiting for treatment because these are treatments that can enable people to get back to work and live pain—free so they are very important to the quality of life. the numbers on the waiting lists in england, just over 5.8 million, the highest on record. what the nao says is likely to happen in coming years is that will grow and they warned that by 2025 it would be higher than it is right 110w. the government says it is putting in extra money and in terms of cancer services, there are signs the numbers have rebounded, but that is not quite the case for elective operations, the numbers of operations being done are still below pre—pandemic levels and that is part of the reason the waiting list is expected to grow. i think what this shows is the legacy of the pandemic will be felt for quite some time to come. from today, anyone over the age of 12 travelling from the uk to spain will need to show proof they have been double—vaccinated. previously, a negative pcr test would have been acceptable for entry into the country — but the rules have been tightened because of concern about the new omicron variant. the leader of the house of commons and conservative mpjacob rees—mogg is under investigation by the parliamentary commissioner for standards. the leader of the scottish conservatives, douglas ross, is also the subject of another inquiry. the commissioner's website says mr rees—mogg is being investigated for a potential breach of the rules on registering outside earnings. five days after the worst of storm arwen, 30,000 homes are still without power because of �*catastrophic�* damage to the electricity network. parts of aberdeenshire have been the worst affected areas — with areas of the north of england also suffering. the business secretary, kwasi kwarteng, told mps that a dedicated team of engineers were working around the clock to restore the network. i'm satisfied that these operators are sharing their resources through mutual aid agreements and through putting engineers to the worst affected areas, and i'm extremely grateful to emergency responders who have also been working very hard to keep people as comfortable as possible, providing torches, blankets and other necessities. that was kwasi kwarteng. scottish power has apologised to customers in the scottish borders as the work continues there to try to get supplies back to people. cameron buttle has been speaking to one man in grant ice in berwickshire who was discharged from hospital yesterday but has no electricity at home. well, it has not been great for my life —— my wife because she suffers from copd and her eyesight is poor. i was at the general hospital last wednesday and ijust i was at the general hospital last wednesday and i just got out last night. i was in as an emergency admission. so as you can see, i am a bit worse for wear. i would be worried because i have not been able to contact my wife for days and there has been no phone reception or wi—fi, there has been no phone reception or wi-fi, 36 there has been no phone reception or wi—fi, 36 drop site. there has been no phone reception or wi-fi, 36 drop site.— wi-fi, 36 drop site. basically i have been _ wi-fi, 36 drop site. basically i have been unable _ wi-fi, 36 drop site. basically i have been unable to _ wi-fi, 36 drop site. basically i have been unable to speak- wi-fi, 36 drop site. basically i have been unable to speak to l wi-fi, 36 drop site. basically i - have been unable to speak to her. it must have been a terrifying time for you? b. must have been a terrifying time for ou? �* ., , ., ., you? a worrying time, i am worried about my health _ you? a worrying time, i am worried about my health because _ you? a worrying time, i am worried about my health because i - you? a worrying time, i am worried about my health because i thought| you? a worrying time, i am worried i about my health because i thought my health was deteriorating. fortunately, the doctors have picked it up in time and have softened it, hopefully. it up in time and have softened it, ho efull . ., it up in time and have softened it, hoefull . ., ., ,, it up in time and have softened it, hoefull . ., ., ., hopefully. how do you feel about the wa ou hopefully. how do you feel about the way you have — hopefully. how do you feel about the way you have been _ hopefully. how do you feel about the way you have been treated _ hopefully. how do you feel about the way you have been treated by i hopefully. how do you feel about the way you have been treated by all- hopefully. how do you feel about the way you have been treated by all of. way you have been treated by all of the services? i way you have been treated by all of the services?— way you have been treated by all of the services? i would never have any comlaint the services? i would never have any complaint about _ the services? i would never have any complaint about engineers _ the services? i would never have any complaint about engineers or i the services? i would never have anyj complaint about engineers or anyone like that but nobody has been in touch with us. nobody has knocked our door, nobody from the local authority, nobody from scottish power. you know? so we feel a bit abandoned. it power. you know? so we feel a bit abandoned-— abandoned. it has been a difficult time? very _ abandoned. it has been a difficult time? very difficult. _ abandoned. it has been a difficult time? very difficult. i _ abandoned. it has been a difficult time? very difficult. i worry i abandoned. it has been a difficult| time? very difficult. i worry about other people. _ time? very difficult. i worry about other people, even _ time? very difficult. i worry about other people, even more - time? very difficult. i worry about l other people, even more vulnerable than we have been, in these out of the way places. ijust hope there is not some poor soul in some of the back country lanes who has not been seen yet by anyone. i was frustrated. i messaged radio scotland this morning because they had heard that one of the council leaders from up north was speaking and talking about resilience and helping people and knocking doors and things. i thought, that does not really apply to us. because we have not heard from anyone. so i am frustrated at the lack of communication. and i phoned the helpline numberfor communication. and i phoned the helpline number for scottish power this morning. i asked for a call back because the battery on my phone is running out, and they have not phoned me back yet. the bbc have contacted me. and i am gratefulfor that, because i think people should know. that folk are still struggling just now and this does not help, the weather has been atrocious and i know it is a once in a generation thing but they need to be more resilient than what we have been offered so far, which is nothing. and still no power? still offered so far, which is nothing. and still no power?— offered so far, which is nothing. and still no power? still no power. still no idea _ and still no power? still no power. still no idea when _ and still no power? still no power. still no idea when it _ and still no power? still no power. still no idea when it might - and still no power? still no power. still no idea when it might come i still no idea when it might come back? no idea. ihlo still no idea when it might come back? no idea.— let's speak now with andy smith from near kendal in cumbria. thank you for speaking to us because i know you have been without power since friday. explain how you are managing to talk to us. what is your situation? i managing to talk to us. what is your situation? ., managing to talk to us. what is your situation? . ., ~ ., , ., ., situation? i am talking to you from kendal situation? i am talking to you from kendal. i have _ situation? i am talking to you from kendal. i have had _ situation? i am talking to you from kendal. i have had to _ situation? i am talking to you from kendal. i have had to come i situation? i am talking to you from kendal. i have had to come in i situation? i am talking to you from kendal. i have had to come in here every day to charge my laptop for work and phones and things and fetch water to take back home. i am fortunate to have, we have showers here as well. and my wife works in time so she obviously goes to the gym for showers, otherwise we would be stuck. we are fine, it has been really tough, a real challenge. but we are coping ok. you really tough, a real challenge. but we are coping 0k.— really tough, a real challenge. but we are coping 0k. we are coping ok. you have got no electricity or water? _ we are coping ok. you have got no electricity or water? we _ we are coping ok. you have got no electricity or water? we have i we are coping ok. you have got no electricity or water? we have no i electricity or water? we have no electricity. _ electricity or water? we have no electricity. no — electricity or water? we have no electricity, no electricity - electricity or water? we have no electricity, no electricity since . electricity, no electricity since friday. we have no running water, no heating and no internet. and this is our sixth day. fortunately we do have a wood burner and a well—stocked woodpile. we have plenty of blankets and candles and hot drinks. but plenty of blankets and candles and hot drinks. �* , ., hot drinks. but it is tough. firstl , hot drinks. but it is tough. firstly. what _ hot drinks. but it is tough. firstly, what information, | hot drinks. but it is tough. l firstly, what information, if hot drinks. but it is tough. i firstly, what information, if any, are you getting about when electricity or water could be restored to you?— electricity or water could be restored to you? electricity or water could be restored to ou? ., , restored to you? the only thing we have had is — restored to you? the only thing we have had is going _ restored to you? the only thing we have had is going online _ restored to you? the only thing we have had is going online and i have had is going online and checking the electricity north—west website and basically, every day it says that they should have it restored by apm. and that has been every one of those six days, we have had that message. they did come out at midnight last night, there were torches in the garden, checking the lines, but they stayed for about half an hour and then left without any information. bud half an hour and then left without any information.— half an hour and then left without any information. and when energy su - liers any information. and when energy suppliers say _ any information. and when energy suppliers say this _ any information. and when energy suppliers say this is _ any information. and when energy suppliers say this is some - any information. and when energy suppliers say this is some of- any information. and when energy suppliers say this is some of the i suppliers say this is some of the worst damage we have ever seen, sometimes when we go to repair a section we further false. do you and your family have some sympathy with all of that or are you reaching the point where you think, where is the contingency planning?— contingency planning? absolutely. obviously we _ contingency planning? absolutely. obviously we know _ contingency planning? absolutely. obviously we know these - contingency planning? absolutely. obviously we know these guys i contingency planning? absolutely. obviously we know these guys are | obviously we know these guys are doing the bestjob they can, there is still a lot of storm damage, roads blocked, we live in a very rural area. roads blocked, we live in a very ruralarea. i have roads blocked, we live in a very rural area. i have spoken to these guys and they have turned up a couple of times to assess the situation and you meet them at the door and it is difficult to be angry with them because i spoke to one guy earlier yesterday that he had been drafted up from norwich to cumbria to do with this and he said he had been working until midnight nearly every night for the last five days. really difficult all round. i know you say you are lucky in the sense you say you are lucky in the sense you have that space to go to, some were to have a shower. i guess we have plenty of neighbours and friends who don't have that facility and are really struggling?- and are really struggling? exactly. m direct and are really struggling? exactly. my direct neighbours _ and are really struggling? exactly. my direct neighbours stayed i and are really struggling? exactly. my direct neighbours stayed in i and are really struggling? exactly. j my direct neighbours stayed in the travel lodge last night because they have given up. thankfully they got a nice warm night and showers. and i believe electricity north—west will refund them for that, so that is great. and apparently we have a fish and chip van coming around to offer us free food in the village tonight so all is not too bad. i us free food in the village tonight so all is not too bad.— so all is not too bad. i was going to ask how _ so all is not too bad. i was going to ask how you _ so all is not too bad. i was going to ask how you are _ so all is not too bad. i was going to ask how you are cooking? i so all is not too bad. i was going to ask how you are cooking? we | so all is not too bad. i was going i to ask how you are cooking? we have an lpg as to ask how you are cooking? we have an lpg gas bottle _ to ask how you are cooking? we have an lpg gas bottle supply _ to ask how you are cooking? we have an lpg gas bottle supply so _ to ask how you are cooking? we have an lpg gas bottle supply so we i to ask how you are cooking? we have an lpg gas bottle supply so we are i an lpg gas bottle supply so we are not too bad, we have no often so we are doing everything on the hob. two of our neighbours are unfortunately down to the gas stoves and gas bottles, camping stoves. bud down to the gas stoves and gas bottles, camping stoves. and our --eole bottles, camping stoves. and our people able _ bottles, camping stoves. and our people able to — bottles, camping stoves. and our people able to rally _ bottles, camping stoves. and our people able to rally around i bottles, camping stoves. and our people able to rally around and l bottles, camping stoves. and our| people able to rally around and try to provide food for those who don't have any access to anything? are people helping our neighbours as much as they can?— people helping our neighbours as much as they can? absolutely, there is a real community _ much as they can? absolutely, there is a real community spirit. _ much as they can? absolutely, there is a real community spirit. everyone | is a real community spirit. everyone is a real community spirit. everyone is saying that if you need anything we can drop by and pick up water for you and we can bring takeaways. but the two villages that are connected, we are six miles out of kendal but it is a superb, close—knit community and everyone is helping each other. really rough for people and particularly the older and more vulnerable or those with young children. there are people who must be pretty fed up, i'm putting that politely! mr; be pretty fed up, i'm putting that olitel ! y p, be pretty fed up, i'm putting that olitel ! g . ., , politely! my wife and i are very luc , politely! my wife and i are very lucky. we _ politely! my wife and i are very lucky. we have _ politely! my wife and i are very lucky, we have our— politely! my wife and i are very lucky, we have our son - politely! my wife and i are very lucky, we have our son living i politely! my wife and i are very i lucky, we have our son living with us, in his 20s, but our other children have both moved on and are living away but i do have a client of mine and she has been off since friday and she has six small children and i cannot imagine what thatis children and i cannot imagine what that is like. mr; children and i cannot imagine what that is like-— children and i cannot imagine what thatislike. g ,, p ., that is like. my goodness. well, all the best to — that is like. my goodness. well, all the best to you _ that is like. my goodness. well, all the best to you and _ that is like. my goodness. well, all the best to you and your _ that is like. my goodness. well, all the best to you and your family i that is like. my goodness. well, allj the best to you and your family and everyone in your community. thanks for taking the time to talk to us. thank you ever so much. andy smith, who lives near kendal in cumbria. no power since friday and no water and does not know when this is coming back. really difficult for thousands and thousands of people still after such a long time. we will of course have the weather prospects coming up for you just before half past. particularly important for those battling through very cold conditions. let's turn to the strike... staff from 58 universities across the uk have begun a three—day strike. it's to protest about their pay, pensions and working conditions, and there are worries more strikes could take place if a deal cannot be reached. our education correspondent, elaine dunkley, reports. university staff on strike. angry about pensions, pay and working conditions. it's destroyed my faith in education. i've been in higher education for 30 years. and ijust feel it needs a radical, radical change. many protesting say this is about protecting pensions, and say vice chancellors want to make changes to the scheme they are on based on a flawed evaluation of finances. our members are looking at a 35% cut to their guaranteed pension, and we are arguing it is not necessary. the key reason why is, the valuation that suggested there was a deficit and therefore a need to change, that was conducted in march last year. there was a global economic shutdown and obviously the pensions scheme has bounced back into much better health. universities uk, which represents 1a0 institutions, says the changes are needed to plug the funding gap. students support staff on strike! but caught in the middle of this bitter dispute are students. there have been previous strikes, and after 18 months of disruption due to the pandemic and fees of £9,000 a year, they are also worried about their futures. a lot of people are very angry because theyjust don't think it's fair that after a year of strikes followed by a year and a half of online learning, they have just got back to normal, things are just about starting to get back into the swing and then we are being, we are facing possibly months of strikes. | we are also paying for our staffj to get paid decent pay and have decent working conditions, j which they are not getting, so we should be in solidarity. with them, because their fight is our fight. vice chancellors say they are working to reduce the impact on students. there are many things that we can do in universities to make sure that the students don't suffer. we can change deadlines, we can change teaching methods, we can change assessments, we can change personnel, there's all sorts of things that we can do. it's the start of three days of industrial action, and with no resolution in sight, staff and students are preparing for more disruption. elaine dunkley, bbc news, in leeds. the government has announced a new repairs service to help older and disabled people live independently for longer in their own homes as part of key social care reforms. it is investing at least £300 million to increase the range of supported housing and at least £150 million to drive greater adoption of technology which can support independent living and improve care. the measures were part of an announcement on how ministers plan to reform social care — but labour say the plans fall way short of what's required. the care minister, gillian keegan, laid out the plans to the commons in the last hour. time and time again we have heard about the challenges in this house. the high turnover in the workforce, the lottery of how people pay for it. the unsustainable local markets. the varying quality and safety of care. the low uptake of technology. the carers who are notjust unpaid but underappreciated and the complexity of the system for everyone involved. i am sure honourable members have their own challenges that they will add to the list. make no mistake, these are complex issues. so complex that successive governments over decades have decided to duck them rather than deal with them. but this government is determined to get it right. after all, you cannot be serious about levelling up unless you are serious about social care. in september we took a vital first step on the route to fixing this generational problem. when the prime minister, the chancellor and the secretary of state announced our new health and care levy. and that focus on how we must pay for it is absolutely right. but we were clear then and we are clear now that there is much more and much else we need to do. this white paper contains more detail on what we plan to do over the next three years. to transform the sector over the next decade, the white paper is underpinned by three core principles. first, that everybody has choice, control and support to live independent lives. second, that everyone can access outstanding personalised care and support. and third, that adult social care is fair and accessible for everyone who needs it. and here was the reaction from labour's shadow social care minister, liz kendall. really, mr speaker, is that it? there are some things the minister said that we have been calling for for some while, like improving housing options for older and disabled people and the potential for technology to improve standards of care. but there are two central flaws in this government's approach. ministers have utterly failed to deal with the immediate pressures facing social care as we head into one of the most difficult winters on record. and they have failed to set out the long—term vision and more fundamental reforms we need to deliver a care system fit for the future. liz kendall. police in lanarkshire are treating the death of a 16—year—old as murder. amber gibson was reported missing from the hamilton area last friday. our scotland correspondent alexandra mackenzie gave us this update. well, it was here in a park behind me on sunday morning that amber gibson's body was found. she had left home on friday evening at a quarter past nine and she lived in the hill house area of hamilton. that is a short walk from where we are now. there was a last known sighting of her a little bit later at 9:55am in the town centre, which is a very short walk from here and police say that it would have been very busy at that time so they are appealing for anyone else who saw her to come forward with that information. she was reported missing on saturday, and as i said, her body was discovered here on sunday morning. police have given a press conference here a little bit earlier today and they have said that there is still an increased presence in the area, they are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward. they have said that is very important and they are trying to piece together amber gibson's last moments to find out exactly what happened to her. they say they will be doing that via cctv footage and they will be doing door—to—door inquiries and they said they are very much relying on members of the community to come forward and give what they describe as vital bits of information. they also said that their thoughts are very much with amber's loved ones and they are being supported at this time. more coming up in the next half an hour. now it's time for a look at the weather with darren. hello, there. it is turning colder from the north at the moment, the winds are turning into more of a northerly direction and we've still got some quite strong and gusty winds around, which continues to be the case overnight for northern and eastern parts of the uk. some rain is moving southwards across england and wales and those temperatures are already dropping off early this evening. we see the back of that rain across the south, those showers streaming onto these north sea coast into east anglia, turning more wintry, most of the snow even to lower levels will be in scotland. some showers, northern ireland, turning wintry as they move into wales and the south west. where we keep those showers, this is where we're going to find the iciest conditions because it will be a much colder night tonight. widespread frost and the lowest temperatures in scotland. soon see the back of those showers in south wales, south—west england. we'll keep some running on to the north sea coasts and into east anglia, and those will become fewer during the afternoon. many places tomorrow having a dry day, quite a bit of sunshine, except in northern ireland, where we've got more cloud coming in here quickly. and that cloud will stream its way into western parts of scotland in the afternoon. but ahead of it, it's colder than today. highs of only three, four orfive degrees. hello, this is bbc news with jane hill. the headlines. there's no need to cancel your christmas arrangements says the health secretary — though he urges caution as cases of the omicron variant rise. it comes as leaked documents from scientists who advise the government say the impact of the omicron variant on the uk is "highly uncertain" — but officials should prepare now for �*a potentially signficant wave' of infections, while they find out more. the prime minister says �*all guidance was followed' — when asked whether a christmas party was held at downing street during lockdown last year. tens of thousands of people face a sixth night without power following outages in north england and scotland caused by storm arwen. the government outlines more details of its 10—year plan to reform the social care system in england including a £300 million investment to help people live independently for longer staff at 58 universities start a three—day strike about pay, pensions and working conditions the death of a 16—year—old girl in hamilton in south lanarkshire is being treated as murder a typical uk family will spend £1,700 more on bills and food next year, according to a forecast for bbc panorama. and coming up. millions of pounds are pledged to a new hiv action plan as world aids day is marked around the globe. sport, and time for a full round up from the bbc sport centre. six premier league matches tonight, including the merseyside derby and while rafael benitez has managed at 1a of those matches, this will be the first time that it's been for the blue side of the city. the former liverpool manager will become the first man in more than a century to have taken charge of both liverpool clubs in a merseyside derby. but he has a tough task on his hands. everton are without a win in seven games. it a win in seven games. is a massive game for us an had it is a massive game for us and we had a bad run now. bud it is a massive game for us and we had a bad run now.— it is a massive game for us and we had a bad run now. and we need to start winning _ had a bad run now. and we need to start winning and _ had a bad run now. and we need to start winning and the _ had a bad run now. and we need to start winning and the derby - had a bad run now. and we need to start winning and the derby is i start winning and the derby is always an opportunity to put things right, so a massive game for us and we are thinking aboutjust getting three points. manchester city are also in action at aston villa, a game which could see british record signing jack grealish play against his old club — but he is one of several doubts for city. leaving pep guardiola with only 15 1st—team players to choose from but he is not one to complain. we are in an emergency, and emergency of the fact of the squad having a few, few people. and four red cards people are missing out. we have to come back and never complain and never miss the players who are not possible to play for injuries, red cards, for any reason. ellen white and england women both broke records last night in their world cup qualifier against latvia. it finished 20—0 — england's largest ever scoreline. striker white got a hattrick, helping her become england women's top scorer with a8 goals. so, after surpassing those records, what's next for ellen and england? we move on and don't mention it ever again! wejust keep going. you know, i will hopefully be selected again for england and i will do whatever i can for this team, scoring goals, performing, but i'm not stopping now. i love playing for england and i hope we can do something special together. the lawn tennis association, the world tennis association and the all england club have all thanked the former british number onejohanna konta after she announced her retirement from tennis. the 30—year—old said she was very grateful for her career. konta won four titles on the wta tour. and reached the semi—finals at wimbledon in 2017, eventually losing to simona halep. but that took her to the position of world number four that year — the highest ranking by a british woman since virginia wade in 1978. however, konta has struggled with her fitness. an abdominal injury, then contracting covid, meant she missed both wimbledon and the olympics this year. she's also been sufferring from heart palpitations. former england captain michael vaughan has been dropped from bt sport's coverage of the ashes, following the accusation made by former yorkshire cricketer azeem rafiq that he made a racist comment to a group of asian players. vaughan has repeatedly denied the allegation, specifically in a recent interview with bbc breakfast a few days ago where he also apologised for the pain azeem rafiq experienced during his time at yorkshire. the allegation was mentioned in rafiq's testimony to a dcms select committee looking into historical racism at yorkshire county cricket club. bt sport's decision comes after the bbc dropped vaughan from their ashes coverage. bt sport said in a statement: ben stokes has been settling back into the england squad in preperation for the ashes in australia — meeting up with them for the first time since july. the england all—rounder took time out of the game to have a second operation on his finger, and to concentrate on his mental health. with just a week to go until the start of the first test in brisbane, england have had to train indoors because of the weather. their warm—up inter squad four day match was rained off. however, spin bowlerjack leach says stokes's inclusion has boosted morale within the squad. he is looking really good, and he has fitted back into the group brilliantly. it's great to have him back around and, yeah, he's been brilliant and he is such a team man and i think the group is only better for having him in it. he brings experience and yeah, he really brings the boys together, so, that's been really good. don't forget there's live snooker on bbc 2 right now, and updates on the bbc sport website from the fourth round of the uk snooker championship. it's currently 3—3. we will turn our attentions unexpectedly to coronavirus and the new variant because i'm looking down because i can see the world health organization has just started a briefing about this new variant. let's hear a little from the infectious disease epidemiologist at the world health organisation. it is ve earl the world health organisation. it 3 very early days in understanding the variant and we are grateful for the information coming in daily. there is the possibility, we don't have all the information yet on transmission in terms of if there is a fitness advantage and if it is more transmissible and there is some suggestion of that but it's early days and we expect to have more information on transmission within days, not necessarily weeks, but within days. in terms of the severity profile, we have seen reports of cases with omicron that go from mild disease all the way to severe disease and there is some indication that some of the patients presenting with mild disease, but again it's early days and we do have again it's early days and we do have a surveillance bias in terms of the cases that are being detected. there is also a suggestion of increased hospitalisations across south africa but that could be a factor that we have more cases and if you have more cases, you have more hospitalisations. so with regards to severity, there are studies under way looking at hospitalisations, looking at those individuals who are hospitalised and whether or not they have this variant or not and we are also getting a picture of some of the cases that are detected in other countries, so as the director—general mentioned, there are reports of omicron in 23 countries and we expect the number to change and it's important that information on the cases are shared with us so we learn more. but it is certainly possible that one of the scenarios is that the virus as it continues to evolve may still have a fitness advantage, meaning it can become more transmissible and more transmissible than delta, we will have to see but we don't know quite yet about the severity. i do think we should caution about best case and worst—case scenarios. the more this virus circulates, the more infections there will be. the more infections there will be. the more infections there will be, the more people will die. and this is something that can be prevented, so everything we can do for delta, which is dominant worldwide, needs to be applied and strengthened for omicron. so however this unfolds, the way we act now, its decisions taken now in every country, that will benefit however omicron unfolds. . , , ., unfolds. really interesting from what we heard _ unfolds. really interesting from what we heard from _ unfolds. really interesting from what we heard from the - unfolds. really interesting from what we heard from the clinical| unfolds. really interesting from i what we heard from the clinical lead on covid 19. what we heard from the clinical lead on covid19. there is a suggestion the new variant is more transmissible and we don't know for sure but we will know more in a few days. we will head back to geneva and hear more. she is talking about vaccine efficacy. let's had to geneva. ~ ., ., ., ,, ., geneva. we want to assure you that the vaccine _ geneva. we want to assure you that the vaccine is — geneva. we want to assure you that the vaccine is in _ geneva. we want to assure you that the vaccine is in use _ geneva. we want to assure you that the vaccine is in use right _ geneva. we want to assure you that the vaccine is in use right now- geneva. we want to assure you that the vaccine is in use right now have | the vaccine is in use right now have very strong protection against the dominant virus that is circulating globally, so it's absolutely critical that when it is your turn, you get vaccinated, because the chances of you developing severe disease and dying if vaccinated is significantly less than if you are not vaccinated. vaccines are saving lives and we need vaccines to get into the arms of all of those at risk in every single country, not just in some countries and notjust adding more vaccines to details, and getting first and second dose who are at risk in all countries and this is really important that this is crystal clear today, because there is still a lot of uncertainty around omicron and this data will come in and there are scientists around the world that will study this around the world with no indication that the vaccines won't work even if there is a reduction in efficacy, it's still better to have the vaccine because it will save your life and make sure that is clear in all of the reporting because we don't want to scare people unnecessarily. we want people to understand out there there is a system in place to detect these variants, to study these variants and to advise us, the who, to make informed decisions so that actions can be taken to save as many peoples lives. p, ~' , ., , . lives. thank you very much. next iuestion lives. thank you very much. next question from — lives. thank you very much. next question from simon _ lives. thank you very much. next question from simon at _ lives. thank you very much. next question from simon at today i lives. thank you very much. next question from simon at today is l lives. thank you very much. next i question from simon at today is news in africa _ question from simon at today is news in africa. p, ~ question from simon at today is news in africa. ., ,, i. ., ., ,, , in africa. thank you for taking my iuestion. in africa. thank you for taking my question. thank _ in africa. thank you for taking my question. thank you _ in africa. thank you for taking my question. thank you for _ in africa. thank you for taking my question. thank you for doing i in africa. thank you for taking my| question. thank you for doing this very important _ question. thank you for doing this very important and _ question. thank you for doing this very important and widely - question. thank you for doing this| very important and widely watched press _ very important and widely watched press briefing _ very important and widely watched press briefing on— very important and widely watched press briefing on the _ very important and widely watched press briefing on the omicron- press briefing on the omicron variant — press briefing on the omicron variant on _ press briefing on the omicron variant. on the _ press briefing on the omicron variant. on the timeline i press briefing on the omicron variant. on the timeline of. press briefing on the omicron. variant. on the timeline of these new variant, _ variant. on the timeline of these new variant, authorities - variant. on the timeline of these new variant, authorities in - variant. on the timeline of these - new variant, authorities in botswana have said _ new variant, authorities in botswana have said that— new variant, authorities in botswana have said that the _ new variant, authorities in botswana have said that the omicron - new variant, authorities in botswana have said that the omicron variant . have said that the omicron variant was first_ have said that the omicron variant was first detected _ have said that the omicron variant was first detected in _ have said that the omicron variant was first detected in a _ have said that the omicron variant was first detected in a foreign - was first detected in a foreign diplomat _ was first detected in a foreign diplomat who _ was first detected in a foreign diplomat who entered - was first detected in a foreign diplomat who entered the - was first detected in a foreign - diplomat who entered the country on november— diplomat who entered the country on november the — diplomat who entered the country on november the seventh _ diplomat who entered the country on november the seventh and _ diplomat who entered the country on november the seventh and tested i november the seventh and tested positive _ november the seventh and tested positive on— november the seventh and tested positive on november— november the seventh and tested positive on november the - november the seventh and tested positive on november the 11th. . november the seventh and tested i positive on november the 11th. south africa _ positive on november the 11th. south africa informed _ positive on november the 11th. south africa informed the _ positive on november the 11th. south africa informed the who _ positive on november the 11th. south africa informed the who about - positive on november the 11th. south africa informed the who about the l africa informed the who about the new variant — africa informed the who about the new variant on _ africa informed the who about the new variant on november- africa informed the who about the new variant on november the - africa informed the who about the new variant on november the 24th| africa informed the who about the - new variant on november the 24th and there is— new variant on november the 24th and there is a _ new variant on november the 24th and there is a confirmed _ new variant on november the 24th and there is a confirmed report _ new variant on november the 24th and there is a confirmed report that - new variant on november the 24th and there is a confirmed report that the - there is a confirmed report that the variant— there is a confirmed report that the variant was— there is a confirmed report that the variant was already _ there is a confirmed report that the variant was already in _ there is a confirmed report that the variant was already in the - variant was already in the netherlands— variant was already in the netherlands a _ variant was already in the netherlands a week - variant was already in the i netherlands a week before variant was already in the - netherlands a week before south africa _ netherlands a week before south africa detected _ netherlands a week before south africa detected it— netherlands a week before south africa detected it and _ netherlands a week before south africa detected it and did - netherlands a week before south africa detected it and did the - netherlands a week before southl africa detected it and did the right thing _ africa detected it and did the right thing tiv— africa detected it and did the right thing by quickly— africa detected it and did the right thing by quickly informing - africa detected it and did the right thing by quickly informing the - africa detected it and did the righti thing by quickly informing the well. if thing by quickly informing the well. if this _ thing by quickly informing the well. if this timeline _ thing by quickly informing the well. if this timeline is _ thing by quickly informing the well. if this timeline is not _ thing by quickly informing the well. if this timeline is not correct, - thing by quickly informing the well. if this timeline is not correct, can l if this timeline is not correct, can you tell— if this timeline is not correct, can you tell us — if this timeline is not correct, can you tell us exactly _ if this timeline is not correct, can you tell us exactly when - if this timeline is not correct, can you tell us exactly when and - if this timeline is not correct, can i you tell us exactly when and where the new _ you tell us exactly when and where the new variant _ you tell us exactly when and where the new variant was _ you tell us exactly when and where the new variant was first _ you tell us exactly when and where the new variant was first detected i the new variant was first detected and how _ the new variant was first detected and how it — the new variant was first detected and how it has _ the new variant was first detected and how it has been _ the new variant was first detected and how it has been spreading, i the new variant was first detected i and how it has been spreading, and if the _ and how it has been spreading, and if the timeline _ and how it has been spreading, and if the timeline is _ and how it has been spreading, and if the timeline is correct, _ and how it has been spreading, and if the timeline is correct, doesn't i if the timeline is correct, doesn't this mean— if the timeline is correct, doesn't this mean that _ if the timeline is correct, doesn't this mean that the _ if the timeline is correct, doesn't this mean that the variant - if the timeline is correct, doesn't this mean that the variant has i this mean that the variant has already— this mean that the variant has already spread _ this mean that the variant has already spread to _ this mean that the variant has already spread to many - this mean that the variant has already spread to many parts| this mean that the variant has i already spread to many parts of this mean that the variant has - already spread to many parts of the world, _ already spread to many parts of the world, more — already spread to many parts of the world, more than— already spread to many parts of the world, more than we _ already spread to many parts of the world, more than we currently- already spread to many parts of the | world, more than we currently know and travel _ world, more than we currently know and travel bans _ world, more than we currently know and travel bans on _ world, more than we currently know and travel bans on black _ world, more than we currently know and travel bans on black and - and travel bans on black and southern _ and travel bans on black and southern african _ and travel bans on black and southern african nations - and travel bans on black and southern african nations are i and travel bans on black and - southern african nations are useless and, southern african nations are useless and. quite _ southern african nations are useless and, quite honestly, _ southern african nations are useless and, quite honestly, pardon- southern african nations are useless and, quite honestly, pardon my- and, quite honestly, pardon my french, — and, quite honestly, pardon my french, is— and, quite honestly, pardon my french, is a— and, quite honestly, pardon my french, is a stupid _ and, quite honestly, pardon my french, is a stupid thing - and, quite honestly, pardon my french, is a stupid thing to- and, quite honestly, pardon my french, is a stupid thing to do. | french, is a stupid thing to do. thank— french, is a stupid thing to do. thank you _ french, is a stupid thing to do. thank you i— french, is a stupid thing to do. thank yon-— french, is a stupid thing to do. thank ou. ~' �* , ., thank you. i think we've been over this a coople _ thank you. i think we've been over this a couple of— thank you. i think we've been over this a couple of times, _ thank you. i think we've been over this a couple of times, but - thank you. i think we've been over this a couple of times, but let's . this a couple of times, but let's reiterate — this a couple of times, but let's reiterate ? _ this a couple of times, but let's reiterate ? i can start and others may— reiterate ? i can start and others may want — reiterate ? i can start and others may want to come in.— reiterate ? i can start and others may want to come in. simon, great cuestion. may want to come in. simon, great question- i — may want to come in. simon, great question. ithink— may want to come in. simon, great question. i think the _ may want to come in. simon, great question. i think the timeline - may want to come in. simon, great question. i think the timeline for i question. i think the timeline for when the virus, the omicron virus was detected, i think the timeline will change and the reason for that is now that the variant has been classified as a variant of concern, there is a lot of attention on this, so surveillance will increase, testing will increase, sequencing will increase and there is also a backlog of its sequencing from cases that have occurred in the month of november for example, that have occurred in the month of novemberfor example, so that have occurred in the month of november for example, so the timeline may change. the countries that will have detected the variant may change, so i wouldn't put too much emphasis on exactly when and where yet. however, having said that, it was south africa and botswana that did report this to us and inform us. but as those sequences get sequenced, and as the backlog is caught up with, the timeline itself may change. we don't yet have the full picture, but as i said, there are many working on this and for how long this has been circulated, that will take a little time to determine but i do want to emphasise that the fact it was reported to us on the 24th that the technical advisory group met on the 26th and advise the who to classify this as a variant of concern which we did and things are happening quite rapidly and rightly so and we need that to continue, so we encourage countries to enhance their surveillance, to enhance sequencing and keep reporting the information and keep reporting the information and share the sequences on platforms so the analysis can be done and we can understand its emergence. thank ou ve can understand its emergence. thank you very much- _ can understand its emergence. thank you very much. next _ can understand its emergence. thank you very much. next question - can understand its emergence. thank you very much. next question to - you very much. next question to stephanie — you very much. next question to stephanie from global. please unmute voursetf~ _ stephanie from global. please unmute ourself. ., . ~' stephanie from global. please unmute ourself. ., . ,, , ., , stephanie from global. please unmute ourself. ., . ~' , ., , . yourself. how, thank you very much for takin: yourself. how, thank you very much for taking my _ yourself. how, thank you very much for taking my question. _ yourself. how, thank you very much for taking my question. this - yourself. how, thank you very much for taking my question. this is - for taking my question. this is regarding _ for taking my question. this is regarding brazil— for taking my question. this is regarding brazil and _ for taking my question. this is regarding brazil and omicroni for taking my question. this is. regarding brazil and omicron has been _ regarding brazil and omicron has been identified _ regarding brazil and omicron has been identified in— regarding brazil and omicron has been identified in brazil- regarding brazil and omicron has been identified in brazil already. regarding brazil and omicron has. been identified in brazil already as well, _ been identified in brazil already as well, which — been identified in brazil already as well, which given _ been identified in brazil already as well, which given its— been identified in brazil already as well, which given its size - been identified in brazil already as well, which given its size is - been identified in brazil already as well, which given its size is always an important— well, which given its size is always an important country— well, which given its size is always an important country to _ well, which given its size is always an important country to watch, - well, which given its size is alwaysi an important country to watch, and one of— an important country to watch, and one of the — an important country to watch, and one of the trig _ an important country to watch, and one of the big debates— an important country to watch, and one of the big debates at _ an important country to watch, and one of the big debates at the - an important country to watch, and i one of the big debates at the moment is whether— one of the big debates at the moment is whether it _ one of the big debates at the moment is whether it will _ one of the big debates at the moment is whether it will be _ one of the big debates at the moment is whether it will be possible - one of the big debates at the moment is whether it will be possible to - is whether it will be possible to have _ is whether it will be possible to have new — is whether it will be possible to have new year's _ is whether it will be possible to have new year's eve _ is whether it will be possible to have new year's eve and - is whether it will be possible to l have new year's eve and carnival cetebrations— have new year's eve and carnival celebrations in— have new year's eve and carnival celebrations in bigger— have new year's eve and carnival celebrations in bigger scales- have new year's eve and carnival celebrations in bigger scales and| celebrations in bigger scales and obviously— celebrations in bigger scales and obviously the _ celebrations in bigger scales and obviously the new— celebrations in bigger scales and obviously the new year's - celebrations in bigger scales and obviously the new year's eve - obviously the new year's eve carnivat — obviously the new year's eve carnivat in— obviously the new year's eve carnival in february- obviously the new year's eve carnival in february comes. l obviously the new year's eve - carnival in february comes. does the world _ carnival in february comes. does the world heatth— carnival in february comes. does the world health organization _ carnival in february comes. does the world health organization have - world health organization have guidance — world health organization have guidance from _ world health organization have guidance from brazil— world health organization have| guidance from brazil specifically world health organization have i guidance from brazil specifically in relation _ guidance from brazil specifically in relation to— guidance from brazil specifically in relation to these _ guidance from brazil specifically in relation to these major— guidance from brazil specifically in relation to these major events - guidance from brazil specifically in| relation to these major events that are so— relation to these major events that are so important— relation to these major events that are so important to _ relation to these major events that are so important to the _ relation to these major events that are so important to the culture - relation to these major events thatj are so important to the culture and the economy— are so important to the culture and the economy as _ are so important to the culture and the economy as well? _ are so important to the culture and the economy as well?— the economy as well? thank you, stephanie- _ the economy as well? thank you, stephanie. who _ the economy as well? thank you, stephanie. who do _ the economy as well? thank you, stephanie. who do we _ the economy as well? thank you, stephanie. who do we start - the economy as well? thank you, | stephanie. who do we start with? thanks— stephanie. who do we start with? thanks very much for the question and we have guidance that is put out that advises on how gatherings should or shall not take place and how they can take place as safely as possible and i will remind you of factors driving transmission now and have been driving them are notjust the variants that are being detected, but also increasing social mixing and that is in the context of the inappropriate use of public health and social measures, not lockdown but things like masking, hand hygiene and improving ventilation. and in that context, if you have any of those factors and the virus is circulating it will take advantage of that but there are many situations in which gatherings can take place in a safer way if the right surveillance is in place and there is detection in place and if there is detection in place and if there is detection in place and if there is distancing in place and in some situations may be those gathering should not take place but thatis gathering should not take place but that is a case by case basis and we haveissued that is a case by case basis and we have issued guidance on mass gatherings and we will take a risk assessment about what can be done if the gathering takes place and where it takes place indoors or outdoors and how many people will be there and how many people will be there and all the other provisions in place, is vaccination required, is testing required, so we don't give a blanket yes or no but we do ask everyone, even if it is in your individual life or a gathering to take steps to lower your exposure to this virus because there's a lot you can do to prevent yourself getting infected in passing the virus to somebody else. taste infected in passing the virus to somebody else.— infected in passing the virus to somebody else. we will leave the briefin: somebody else. we will leave the briefing for _ somebody else. we will leave the briefing for now _ somebody else. we will leave the briefing for now because - somebody else. we will leave the briefing for now because it - somebody else. we will leave the briefing for now because it looks. somebody else. we will leave the | briefing for now because it looks it has some way to run. really interesting to hear, and as you would expect, questions from all over the globe about what various policies mean in various countries and what the situation is, but striking that at the beginning, the lead on covid i9 striking that at the beginning, the lead on covid 19 for the world health organization that while there is still so much we don't know about the new variant, data is being gathered all the time and in some instances there will be an awful lot more we know even within as much as just a few days. and crucially, urging people to get a vaccine. that is still a defence against coronavirus. so, that is the essence, but clearly some way to run on the news briefing and we will keep an eye on that. there is a significant hearing getting under way in the states. the law that effectively legalised abortion across the united states nearly 50 years ago could be overturned in a hearing that has just got underway in the us supreme court. a direct challenge to the ruling known as roe versus wade is being heard by thejustices. if the case is successful, many republican led states are likely to ban the procedure immediately. but as sophie long reports — even with the law intact, an abortion is already inaccessible for many americans. this is no normal church service. these preachers and followers have a message, and they have come to the gates of the last abortion provider in mississippi to make it heard. why do you want abortion to stop in jackson? do you want abortion to stop in jackson? �* u. . . jackson? because it is murder. murdering _ jackson? because it is murder. murdering children _ jackson? because it is murder. murdering children is - jackson? because it is murder. murdering children is wrong i murdering children is wrong according to god and the bible. rainbow clad supporters are helping those try to access what remains their constitutional right. you ain't going — their constitutional right. you ain't going to _ their constitutional right. you ain't going to church - their constitutional right. you ain't going to church question mark no church— ain't going to church question mark no church forjennifer. this ain't going to church question mark no church forjennifer.— no church forjennifer. this is a weekly occurrence _ no church forjennifer. this is a weekly occurrence that - no church forjennifer. this is a weekly occurrence that has - no church forjennifer. this is a i weekly occurrence that has been going on for years. i weekly occurrence that has been going on for years.— weekly occurrence that has been going on for years. i believe in the riaht to going on for years. i believe in the right to process, _ going on for years. i believe in the right to process, i— going on for years. i believe in the right to process, i absolutely - going on for years. i believe in the right to process, i absolutely do, i right to process, i absolutely do, hold your sign, but when you are yelling at patients, that is not protest. yelling at patients, that is not rotest. . . yelling at patients, that is not rotest. , , ., , . ., protest. this is the only abortion clinic and the _ protest. this is the only abortion clinic and the whole _ protest. this is the only abortion clinic and the whole state - protest. this is the only abortion clinic and the whole state of- clinic and the whole state of mississippi. the difficult and deeply personal decision that women who have come here isjudged very publicly, and this is a front line in a bitter battle that has gone on for decades. taste in a bitter battle that has gone on for decades— in a bitter battle that has gone on for decades. we are 'ust going out in the community, — for decades. we are just going out in the community, educating - for decades. we are just going out in the community, educating folksj in the community, educating folks about what a pregnancy resource centre is. . about what a pregnancy resource centre is. , , , . centre is. these students are spreading _ centre is. these students are spreading the _ centre is. these students are spreading the anti-abortion l centre is. these students are - spreading the anti-abortion cause spreading the anti—abortion cause which they are committed to, even in cases of rape. i which they are committed to, even in cases of rape-— cases of rape. i was in a similar situation _ cases of rape. i was in a similar situation where _ cases of rape. i was in a similar situation where i _ cases of rape. i was in a similar situation where i was, - cases of rape. i was in a similar situation where i was, and - cases of rape. i was in a similar situation where i was, and i - cases of rape. i was in a similar| situation where i was, and i was actually— situation where i was, and i was actually scared that was pregnant and i_ actually scared that was pregnant and i was — actually scared that was pregnant and i was in that same situation. i'm and i was in that same situation. i'm very— and i was in that same situation. i'm very sorry. and i was in that same situation. i'm very sorry-— and i was in that same situation. i'm very sorry. and i was scared. i was thinking. _ i'm very sorry. and i was scared. i was thinking, you _ i'm very sorry. and i was scared. i was thinking, you know _ i'm very sorry. and i was scared. i was thinking, you know what, - i'm very sorry. and i was scared. i l was thinking, you know what, even i'm very sorry. and i was scared. i i was thinking, you know what, even if i was thinking, you know what, even if lam, _ was thinking, you know what, even if iam. it's— was thinking, you know what, even if iam. it'sjust— was thinking, you know what, even if i am, it'sjust amazing that was thinking, you know what, even if i am, it's just amazing that there is possibly— i am, it's just amazing that there is possibly a baby inside of me. the fact is, is possibly a baby inside of me. the fact is. even — is possibly a baby inside of me. tie: fact is, even with roe is possibly a baby inside of me. ti9 fact is, even with roe vs wade still intact, in some states it so difficult to access reproductive care that some women have travelled thousands of miles across several states to get the help they need. fir states to get the help they need. (1) right. you ok? states to get the help they need. or right. you 0k? 19-year-old - states to get the help they need. or right. you 0k? 19-year-old jessica, | right. you 0k? 19-year-old jessica, not her right. you 0k? 19-year-old jessica, rrot her real — right. you 0k? 19-year-old jessica, not her real name, _ right. you 0k? 19-year-old jessica, not her real name, has _ right. you 0k? 19-year-old jessica, not her real name, has travelled - not her real name, has travelled from texas where abortions are currently banned after about six weeks to seattle. she was assaulted and was not able to get emotionally contraception and did a pregnancy test that was negative but over the following weeks her body continued to change. i following weeks her body continued to chance. ::, :, following weeks her body continued to chance. u. :, . , , to change. i could not get any help for the to change. i could not get any help forthe pain — to change. i could not get any help forthe pain i— to change. i could not get any help for the pain i was _ to change. i could not get any help for the pain i was going _ to change. i could not get any help for the pain i was going through. i | for the pain i was going through. i could not get any support anywhere. ijust had to suffer in silence. jessica spoke to me after her procedure and through tears of relief, not pain. you move on. because the laws are so extreme in texas, _ because the laws are so extreme in texas, women and pregnant people are turning _ texas, women and pregnant people are turning to _ texas, women and pregnant people are turning to reproductive refugees. the supreme court's decision on the mississippi case will likely not come until at least next spring. over the coming months, many will pray stop others will hope it goes their side's way. let's talk to our correspondent in washington barbara plett usher. and she will be following what is an extremely significant hearing. that's right. people here are seeing it as a seminal moment for activists on both sides of the debate over abortion rights and they have come out here in force today to have their voices heard and i've been speaking with mark herron, a centre — a lawyer for the centre of reproductive rights, the lawyer fighting the case for the mississippi abortion clinic and thank you forjoining me. itruihdt mississippi abortion clinic and thank you forjoining me. thank you for “oining me. what is at stake here? — thank you forjoining me. what is at stake here? the _ thank you forjoining me. what is at stake here? the supreme _ thank you forjoining me. what is at stake here? the supreme court - thank you forjoining me. what is at stake here? the supreme court has held for— stake here? the supreme court has held for nearly 50 years that there is a fundamental right to abortion protected — is a fundamental right to abortion protected by the federal constitution and it recognise that in 1973 _ constitution and it recognise that in 1973 and the decision roe vs wade that in1973 and the decision roe vs wade that has— in 1973 and the decision roe vs wade that has been upheld time and time again _ that has been upheld time and time again in— that has been upheld time and time again. in this case, the state of mississippi is asking the supreme court _ mississippi is asking the supreme court to— mississippi is asking the supreme court to directly overturn roe vs wade _ court to directly overturn roe vs wade and — court to directly overturn roe vs wade and hold that the constitution no longer— wade and hold that the constitution no longer protects the right to abortion, _ no longer protects the right to abortion, so abortion rights are directly— abortion, so abortion rights are directly at _ abortion, so abortion rights are directly at stake in the case today. do you _ directly at stake in the case today. do you think roe vs wade could be overturned? what do you think of the composition of the court? there is a majority of conservatives. the composition of the court? there is a majority of conservatives.— majority of conservatives. the court did not majority of conservatives. the court did rrot need — majority of conservatives. the court did not need to _ majority of conservatives. the court did not need to take _ majority of conservatives. the court did not need to take this _ majority of conservatives. the court did not need to take this case. - majority of conservatives. the court did not need to take this case. the | did not need to take this case. the tower— did not need to take this case. the tower courts — did not need to take this case. the lower courts followed the supreme court _ lower courts followed the supreme court precedent and it is very clear that a _ court precedent and it is very clear that a state — court precedent and it is very clear that a state cannot ban abortion before _ that a state cannot ban abortion before the point of viability, which is when _ before the point of viability, which is when the three or 23 weeks. mississippi has banned abortion at 15 weeks _ mississippi has banned abortion at 15 weeks in the lower courts have blocked _ 15 weeks in the lower courts have blocked the law as with every other pre— viability band that the states have passed, with the exception of texas, _ have passed, with the exception of texas, has — have passed, with the exception of texas, has been blocked by the federat— texas, has been blocked by the federal courts and there was no need for the _ federal courts and there was no need for the court — federal courts and there was no need for the court to take this case, so it is concerning that the court decided — it is concerning that the court decided to do so afterjustice barrett — decided to do so afterjustice barrett became the justice and the petition _ barrett became the justice and the petition was pending for months and then only— petition was pending for months and then only afterjustice barrett took then only afterjustice barrett took the court _ then only afterjustice barrett took the court did they decide to grant the court did they decide to grant the case — the court did they decide to grant the case. but regardless of what the court _ the case. but regardless of what the court does _ the case. but regardless of what the court does today, congress can protect — court does today, congress can protect the right to abortion at the federal— protect the right to abortion at the federal level by passing a law that the house has already passed the women's — the house has already passed the women's protection act that would create _ women's protection act that would create a _ women's protection act that would create a statutory right for abortion, so that is the kind of protection _ abortion, so that is the kind of protection we need.— abortion, so that is the kind of protection we need. what would it mean if roe _ protection we need. what would it mean if roe vs _ protection we need. what would it mean if roe vs wade _ protection we need. what would it mean if roe vs wade was - protection we need. what would it - mean if roe vs wade was overturned? a number of states, about half the country— a number of states, about half the country would be poised to make abortion— country would be poised to make abortion illegal in those states, so it would _ abortion illegal in those states, so it would not mean that abortion woutd _ it would not mean that abortion would become unlawful across the country. _ would become unlawful across the country, but many states, i believe 12 states _ country, but many states, i believe 12 states have already passed trigger — 12 states have already passed trigger bands that means abortion is unlawful— trigger bands that means abortion is unlawful in— trigger bands that means abortion is unlawful in the states immediately if the _ unlawful in the states immediately if the court were to overturn roe vs wade, _ if the court were to overturn roe vs wade, so _ if the court were to overturn roe vs wade, so abortion access in much of the country— wade, so abortion access in much of the country is — wade, so abortion access in much of the country is at stake.— the country is at stake. thank you very much — the country is at stake. thank you very much for— the country is at stake. thank you very much forjoining _ the country is at stake. thank you very much forjoining us. - the country is at stake. thank you very much forjoining us. from . the country is at stake. thank you | very much forjoining us. from the centre for reproductive rights. and the arguments are being hurt in the courthouse behind us as we speak and in front of it, protest is making their voices known. one more quick piece of news about covid. york city council is urging people to wear a face covering in busy outdoor areas — in an effort to slow the spread of the omicron coronavirus variant. let's talk to the leader of york city council keith aspden. good afternoon. why do you want this to happen? what is the guidance? what are you saying? it to happen? what is the guidance? what are you saying?— what are you saying? it hasn't heled what are you saying? it hasn't helped that — what are you saying? it hasn't helped that the _ what are you saying? it hasn't helped that the government . what are you saying? it hasn't i helped that the government has chopped and changed the guidance throughout, so what we said to residents, visitors and businesses, is please do everything you can to be kind and respect each other and we've launched a new winter campaign which is exactly as you say, to encourage mask wearing in shops and on public transport and incredibly busy streets where we have a popular christmas market and it's a fantastic city to come and visit but we want everybody to keep everybody as safe as possible. i we want everybody to keep everybody as safe as possible.— as safe as possible. i have got to ask, how as safe as possible. i have got to ask. how on _ as safe as possible. i have got to ask, how on earth _ as safe as possible. i have got to ask, how on earth will _ as safe as possible. i have got to ask, how on earth will you - as safe as possible. i have got to. ask, how on earth will you enforce it outdoors? it’s ask, how on earth will you enforce it outdoors?— ask, how on earth will you enforce it outdoors? it's about working with artners, it outdoors? it's about working with partners, businesses _ it outdoors? it's about working with partners, businesses and _ it outdoors? it's about working with partners, businesses and those - partners, businesses and those residents in the city and i know just how hard they have worked over months and years to keep everybody safe as possible and it's all about saying that we want a safe and happy christmas, so let's do it again and work together as a city and make sure we can do that. but work together as a city and make sure we can do that.— sure we can do that. but on a practical _ sure we can do that. but on a practical level, _ sure we can do that. but on a practical level, are _ sure we can do that. but on a practical level, are you - sure we can do that. but on a - practical level, are you expecting someone running a market stall at the christmas market to say something if a customer comes up to them and they are not wearing a face covering? are you expecting a police officer to step in? what is the actual thinking?— actualthinking? that is a real issue and _ actualthinking? that is a real issue and we _ actualthinking? that is a real issue and we have _ actualthinking? that is a real issue and we have seen - actualthinking? that is a real issue and we have seen it - issue and we have seen it nationally, how shopkeepers and those in retail are worried about that and how the new guidance can be enforced. we will obviously work with the police where that can be enforced, and where it can't, it's about encouraging and working with people, so whether that is to get your vaccine or to wearing a face mask and to do everything you can to keep your friends and family safe, certainly as a council we will be doing everything we can to get the message across.— doing everything we can to get the message across. sorry we don't have lona to message across. sorry we don't have long to talk — message across. sorry we don't have long to talk to _ message across. sorry we don't have long to talk to you. _ message across. sorry we don't have long to talk to you. that _ message across. sorry we don't have long to talk to you. that was - message across. sorry we don't have long to talk to you. that was the - long to talk to you. that was the leader of york city council urging face coverings in crowded outdoor areas. let's see whether any other councils follow suit. now it's time for a look at the weather with darren bett. hello, there. it is turning colder from the north at the moment, the winds are turning into more of a northerly direction and we've still got some quite strong and gusty winds around, which continues to be the case overnight for northern and eastern parts of the uk. some rain is moving southwards across england and wales and those temperatures are already dropping off early this evening. we see the back of that rain across the south, those showers streaming onto these north sea coast into east anglia, turning more wintry, most of the snow even to lower levels will be in scotland. some showers, northern ireland, turning wintry as they move into wales and the south west. where we keep those showers, this is where we're going to find the iciest conditions because it will be a much colder night tonight. widespread frost and the lowest temperatures in scotland. soon see the back of those showers in south wales, south—west england. we'll keep some running on to the north sea coasts and into east anglia, and those will become fewer during the afternoon. many places tomorrow having a dry day, quite a bit of sunshine, except in northern ireland, where we've got more cloud coming in here quickly. and that cloud will stream its way into western parts of scotland in the afternoon. but ahead of it, it's colder than today. highs of only three, four orfive degrees. this is bbc news. i'm jane hill. the headlines... there's no need to cancel your christmas arrangements, says the health secretary — though he urges caution as cases of the omicron variant rise. i don't think people need to change their plans. i think these are the right measures and there is no need to put any more in place at this point in time. it comes as leaked documents from scientists who advise the government say the impact of the omicron variant on the uk is "highly uncertain" — but officials should prepare now for a potentially signficant wave of infections while they find out more. the world health organization warns of a "toxic mix" of low vaccination coverage and testing rates is creating a breeding ground for new variants. the virus, as it continues to evolve, may still have a fitness advantage, it can become more transmissible than delta, we will have to see. the prime minister says �*all guidance was followed' when asked whether a christmas party was held at downing street during lockdown last year. tens of thousands of people face a sixth night without power following outages in north england and scotland caused by storm arwen. the government outlines more details of its 10—year plan to reform the social care system in england, including £300 million investment to help people live independently for longer. good afternoon. the health secretary sajid javid says there's no need for people to change their plans for christmas because of the omicron variant. but he said it would be sensible for people to take a lateral flow test before going to anywhere crowded. at prime minister's questions the labour leader keir starmer asked borisjohnson whether a christmas party was thrown in downing street during the lockdown last december. the prime minister said all guidance was followed completely at number 10. meanwhile, leaked documents seen by the bbc reveal scientists who advise the government have warned the impact of the omicron variant is highly uncertain and may require a very stringent response. our health correspondent jim reed reports. pharmacies are leading the winter push for vaccines. this, say scientists, is the single most important way to protect yourself against covid and the new omicron variant. i don't want to catch covid before christmas, i know this will increase my immunity and i don't want to pass it on to anyone else, particularly my family. more than 1a million people in england alone are eligible for a boosterjab after the government said all adults would be offered that extra dose. boosters will be available at 1500 pharmacy sites and more hubs will be open to the public. the military will be brought in to help alongside volunteers, all those eligible england should have been offered a booster by the end of january with other parts of the uk accelerating the roll out. we are being very ambitious about this, that is exactly what we need to do, and i don't deny for a second it is a huge national mission that will be tough, but as i say, think the nhs and others are up to this. but there is still so much we don't know about the omicron variant. the bbc has seen a leak of minutes from a meeting at the government's science advisers this week. they say officials should prepare for a significant wave of infections that could lead to higher hospital numbers if there is a significant drop in protection from the current vaccines. but they make clear it is too early to know how ill people will become and they say the size of any future wave is uncertain. other scientists say our current jabs with that third dose should still offer good protection against severe disease. the vaccines train our immune system to recognise spike protein, we know there is many mutation on the spike protein from this variant. i think we should give science time to do its work, not be overly panicking, of course government have to make their decisions. it may take weeks until we start to get real answers about omicron, in the meantime, the message is to act cautiously, and consider taking a rapid covid test or wearing a mask when getting together. ministers in westminster said again today there is no need to cancel those christmas parties ahead of the busy holiday season. the world health organisation is holding a briefing on the omicron variant. it is countries need to use the tools they already have to save lives. maria van kerkhove is a disease expert and said much is still unknown about this variant. it is very early days in understanding the variant and we are grateful for the information coming in daily. there is the possibility, we don't have all the information yet on transmission in terms of if there is a fitness advantage and if it is more transmissible and there is some suggestion of that but it's early days and we expect to have more information on transmission within days, not necessarily weeks, but within days. in terms of the severity profile, we have seen reports of cases with omicron that go from mild disease all the way to severe disease and there is some indication that some of the patients presenting with mild disease, but again it's early days and we do have a surveillance bias in terms of the cases that are being detected. there is also a suggestion of increased hospitalisations across south africa but that could be a factor that we have more cases and if you have more cases, you have more hospitalisations. so with regards to severity, there are studies under way looking at hospitalisations, looking at those individuals who are hospitalised and whether or not they have this variant or not and we are also getting a picture of some of the cases that are detected in other countries, so as the director—general mentioned, there are reports of omicron in 23 countries and we expect the number to change and it's important that information on the cases are shared with us so we learn more. but it is certainly possible that one of the scenarios is that the virus as it continues to evolve may still have a fitness advantage, meaning it can become more transmissible and more transmissible than delta, we will have to see but we don't know quite yet about the severity. i do think we should caution about best—case and worst—case scenarios. the more this virus circulates, the more infections there will be. the more infections there will be, the more people will die. and this is something that can be prevented, so everything we can do for delta, which is dominant worldwide, needs to be applied and strengthened for omicron. so however this unfolds, the way we act now, its decisions taken now in every country, that will benefit however omicron unfolds. that is just part of that briefing that has been taking place in geneva. and looking at the screen, it looks to me as if that press briefing is still very much continuing. there may be more to emerge from that. but a lot still to learn, urging all governments, the who, to use every tool they have to deal with this new variant. and urging people to get a vaccination as soon as they are eligible. from today, anyone over the age of 12 travelling from the uk to spain will need to show proof they have been double—vaccinated. previously, a negative pcr test would have been acceptable for entry into the country — but the rules have been tightened because of concern about the new omicron variant. the prime ministerfaced some questions about a christmas party in the commons this lunchtime. there are questions about whether one was held during the lockdown last year. damian grammaticas has been explaining more... it is been explaining more... it is emerging — been explaining more... it is emerging because _ been explaining more... it s emerging because the daily mirror newspaper says it has sources who have told it that two parties were held one year ago in the run—up to christmas, late november, one of them in late november and one on the 18th of december and the one on the 18th of december and the one on the 18th of december and the one on the 18th of december, it seems a prime minister was not there but the daily mirror talks about a0 or 50 people cramming into a room and having a gathering, a party of some sort, at the time. this was at a time when london was in tier 3 restriction measures, gatherings indoors not allowed. so this is why the prime minister was questioned today by both the labour leader and the snp leader, and westminster. both of whom pressed it at prime minister's questions. the prime minister was asked by sir keir starmer if there was a party in december and he did not deny it but simply said that all guidance was followed completely. but keir starmer came back, saying it would seem that all guidance may not have been followed and he quoted the rules... disapply minister think it was fine for him and his friends to throw a boozy party in downing street? since he asked about _ boozy party in downing street? since he asked about what _ boozy party in downing street? since he asked about what we _ boozy party in downing street? since he asked about what we are asking the country to do this year, which is frankly— the country to do this year, which is frankly a — the country to do this year, which is frankly a more relevant consideration, to make sure that as we have _ consideration, to make sure that as we have said, we wear a mask on public— we have said, we wear a mask on public transport and in shops, mr speaker — public transport and in shops, mr speaker. and that you self—isolate if you _ speaker. and that you self—isolate if you come — speaker. and that you self—isolate if you come into contact with somebody who has omicron. and above all, somebody who has omicron. and above all. what _ somebody who has omicron. and above all. what we _ somebody who has omicron. and above all, what we are doing is strengthening our measures at the borders— strengthening our measures at the borders but particularly, this will be very— borders but particularly, this will be very valuable for everybody to hear, _ be very valuable for everybody to hear. get — be very valuable for everybody to hear, get your booster! the labour leader said — hear, get your booster! the labour leader said that _ hear, get your booster! the labour leader said that at _ hear, get your booster! the labour leader said that at a _ hear, get your booster! the labour leader said that at a time - hear, get your booster! the labour leader said that at a time when - leader said that at a time when people were told they could not go and meet family and friends, this was a case again of one rule for the prime minister and one for everyone else. the snp leader reflected that are repeated that also but boris johnson is insisting that the guidance was followed and said that in the situation now as we come up to christmas this year, he said the government was taking measures that it has brought in this week to try to ensure that any new wave from this new variant is kept under control. that is our political correspondent, damian grammaticas. and in the last few moments, we have had a few more details about this story. some details coming through from our political editor laura kuenssberg, who says the bbc has spoken to a source who attended a gathering in downing street last christmas. the attendee says there were several dozen people at the gathering, it was on december the 18th last year, there was food and drink for staff, 18th last year, there was food and drink forstaff, including 18th last year, there was food and drink for staff, including people from the press office and the number 10 events team. party games were played. i am quoting from this information we have been sent through. and the attendee said the gathering had gone on past midnight. this person also said the mood was down because there was concern building about the new kent variant of coronavirus, which will take you back. it are talking about when we talked about the beginnings of the kent variantjust about the beginnings of the kent variant just about one about the beginnings of the kent variantjust about one year ago. so just to reiterate, of course, at pmqs this came up as a topic of conversation at lunchtime and you will know that the prime minister said all covid rules were followed. and also we should say that downing street has been contacted for their comments following the claims made by this person that has been spoken to. they say there was an event on december the 18th that went on past midnight, several dozen people. doubtless more to come on that. we stay with the logon of the pandemic. —— knock on. the government's spending watchdog, the national audit office, says the number of people on nhs waiting lists in england could double to twelve million in a little over three years. it also estimates that the number of referrals for suspected cancer made by gps in england during the pandemic is between a quarter of a million and three—quarters of a million fewer than would have been expected. earlier i spoke to our health correspondent, nick triggle, who has been looking at the detail for us. there have been indirect harms. the national audit office was looking at both cancer services and delays getting routine operations such as hip replacements. it says tackling the backlog that has emerged in these areas will be huge and lengthy. in terms of cancer, the number of checkups has dropped by perhaps three quarters of a million. that is because people were struggling to access services or were perhaps deterred from coming forward, especially early on in the pandemic. numbers recently have rebounded. those missing checkups, you would expect between 35000 and 60,000 new cancer diagnoses, and these missing cases means people will be diagnosed with the disease later. that reduces their chances of survival. so that in itself is stark and the other thing we have talked about so much recently, waiting lists. what we call routine surgery but we are often talking about hip replacements and knee replacements, quality of life issues? they absolutely are and surgeons are very distressed about the numbers waiting for treatment because these are treatments that can enable people to get back to work and live pain—free so they are very important to the quality of life. the numbers on the waiting lists in england, just over 5.8 million, the highest on record. what the nao says is likely to happen in coming years is that will grow and they warned that by 2025 it would be higher than it is right now. the government says it is putting in extra money and in terms of cancer services, there are signs the numbers have rebounded, but that is not quite the case for elective operations, the numbers of operations being done are still below pre—pandemic levels and that is part of the reason the waiting list is expected to grow. i think what this shows is the legacy of the pandemic will be felt for quite some time to come. our health correspondent. the headlines... the health secretary says there's no need to cancel your christmas arrangements but urges caution as cases of the omicron variant rise. it comes as leaked documents from scientists who advise the government say the impact of the omicron variant on the uk is "highly uncertain", but officials should prepare now for �*a potentailly signficant wave' of infections, while they find out more. tens of thousands of people face a sixth night without power following outages in north england and scotland caused by storm arwen. we will talk more about that story story. five days after the worst of storm arwen, 30,000 homes are still without power because of �*catastrophic�* damage to the electricity network. parts of aberdeenshire have the been worst affected areas, with areas of the north of england also suffering. the business secretary, kwasi kwarteng, told mps that a dedicated team of engineers were working around the clock to restore the network. i'm satisfied that these operators are sharing their resources through mutual aid agreements and through putting engineers to the worst affected areas, and i'm extremely grateful to emergency responders who have also been working very hard to keep people as comfortable as possible, providing torches, blankets and other necessities. let's speak now with helen knowles in canonbie in scotland, who's been affected by the power outage. really good if you to talk to us in such a dreadful time. explain your situation and what your family has been dealing with... taste situation and what your family has been dealing with. . ._ been dealing with... we are quite fortunate compared _ been dealing with... we are quite fortunate compared to _ been dealing with... we are quite fortunate compared to some - been dealing with... we are quite | fortunate compared to some folks been dealing with... we are quite - fortunate compared to some folks but like so many, our power went off on friday night and it was then a case of being updated on a daily basis from scottish power about when the power would come back on and initially it would be eight o'clock on saturday night that moved to midnight on monday night. still no power, it is going to be eight o'clock on tuesday night and still no power. itjust kept going on and on. we are fortunate in that in the middle of the night last night we got into bed and in the meantime a generator was dropped off by scottish power energy networks and hooked up outside the house, which is a rural farmhouse, hooked up outside the house, which is a ruralfarmhouse, so hooked up outside the house, which is a rural farmhouse, so we hooked up outside the house, which is a ruralfarmhouse, so we have power, which is fantastic after so many days without. but i know we are very lucky because not everybody is in that situation and there are still people facing another night without power and they do not know when that will be reconnected. thea;r when that will be reconnected. they still do not know. _ when that will be reconnected. they still do not know. i _ when that will be reconnected. they still do not know. i am _ when that will be reconnected. they still do not know. i am assuming it is still really cold and i wonder how people are eating and cooking? how are locals coping? taste how people are eating and cooking? how are locals coping?— how people are eating and cooking? how are locals coping? we have lived here for a long _ how are locals coping? we have lived here for a long time _ how are locals coping? we have lived here for a long time and _ how are locals coping? we have lived here for a long time and power - how are locals coping? we have lived here for a long time and power cuts i here for a long time and power cuts are part of life here. it is not uncommon to have outages for a few hours or even a day, particularly in the winter when we get storms. and we have a gas hob in the oven and we are not on the mains, it runs off bottled gas and i know lots of people have that system and we are very fortunate. others will rely on camping gas if they have it and if not, they have no means of heating water for drinks or getting themselves hot meals. and some will be in the position we were in and that we could not get out anywhere at all. we live 1.5 miles up the track and two very large trees came down, which is beyond our capabilities of cutting up with a small chainsaw. we had to wait until we were rescued and able to get out. that was on monday afternoon because the priority initially was for the cutting teams to clear the local roads rather than just clearing lanes up to private dwellings, which i can completely understand. ma; i can completely understand. my goodness! you were stuck for a good three days. did you have enough food? goodness, what on earth went on? it food? goodness, what on earth went on? . . : food? goodness, what on earth went on? , , : :, on? it is the experience of living here, we on? it is the experience of living here. we do _ on? it is the experience of living here. we do a — on? it is the experience of living here, we do a big _ on? it is the experience of living here, we do a big shop - on? it is the experience of living here, we do a big shop and - on? it is the experience of living | here, we do a big shop and make on? it is the experience of living - here, we do a big shop and make sure there is plenty in the cupboards. we might have interesting meals but we are not going to starve, that is the main thing. we were fortunate in that we have a lot of good friends who were keeping in touch and i am so lucky in that i recently upgraded my phone and it has been picking up ag, which is a miracle because i know the mobile network further up the road is down so people cannot use their phones and i have the means of charging this. my husband has a big site radio and you can use that as a power bank. that is the only reason we could communicate with the outside world because the phone was off as well. no way of contacting anyone apart from my mobile phone. that has been a lifeline so people were contacting me through facebook, whatsapp and text, offering help and offering to fetch food and pass it over the fallen tree. our neighbour even offered to leave her car on the other side of the blockage so if we needed to get out in an emergency, we could scramble over the tree and we could scramble over the tree and we could scramble over the tree and we could get to her vehicle and use that temporarily to get our own vehicle out. that temporarily to get our own vehicle out-— vehicle out. helen, you are remarkably _ vehicle out. helen, you are remarkably upbeat - vehicle out. helen, you are remarkably upbeat and - vehicle out. helen, you are remarkably upbeat and are | vehicle out. helen, you are - remarkably upbeat and are obviously resourceful and well organised. but for some of this eventuality, i have to ask what you feel about the length of time it is taking, the length of time it is taking, the length of time the utility firms are taking to get you on so many others back on the grid? there have been criticisms. do you have sympathy or understanding? what is your take on the fact it has taken so long? it is the fact it has taken so long? it is a little bit mixed _ the fact it has taken so long? it is a little bit mixed in _ the fact it has taken so long? it s a little bit mixed in that i completely understand, well, i don't understand the scale of the task but i have seen the devastation caused to the forestry plantations that surround us, just from looking at the windows you can see areas that were 13 metre tall conifers and spruce that were densely planted here and they have been reduced to kindling. it looks like somebody has dropped a bomb on it, i have never seen that scale of devastation. the amount of damage we have had, big trees coming down in the garden, 100—year—old beech trees that have withstood many storms but this one brought them down. our power line runs through a forestry plantation and there is a half—mile stretch which is currently under a lot of trees and it is beyond the scope of one man with a chainsaw so it is a big job and will take a long time so i can completely understand the utilities companies are doing an amazing job getting people online. our frustration was that initially no one understood the scale of the damage, they did not understand just how much the network had been damaged. and i do not know at what point they realised how long it was going to take, but we have had this continual, yes, a pub will be restored in 2a hours and updates through text... if we had been told three days ago that there was no chance of the power being put on in the near future, chance of the power being put on in the nearfuture, we could have coped, it would have helped us plan and i would have make sure that as soon as it was cleared and we got my mother to a warm house, we would have done so because she is with us and she is older and has health issues and she needed to be somewhere warm. thankfully she was able to go to her friend's house last night and she probably enjoyed having a hot bath, which is something i am looking forward to having tonight! that would be my only criticism because they are working on a really difficult conditions and they were putting on really long hours and really doing the very best they can. but it is almost a case of one department may be does not know what the other is doing on the lines of communication are not great because you speak to somebody on the phone, the helpline, you just get the standard message, there is damage to the network and probably will be restored by eight o'clock tonight but there was no way that would ever be the case. thank ou ever that would ever be the case. thank you ever so — that would ever be the case. thank you ever so much _ that would ever be the case. thank you ever so much and _ that would ever be the case. thank you ever so much and all _ that would ever be the case. thank you ever so much and all the - that would ever be the case. thank you ever so much and all the best. that would ever be the case. thank. you ever so much and all the best of yourfamily and we you ever so much and all the best of your family and we are glad you ever so much and all the best of yourfamily and we are glad your mum is all right. thank you very much indeed and fingers crossed for you and everyone in your community. we returned to covid and the issue of boosterjabs. some use from our colleagues in glasgow. health boards in scotland say they are not yet ready to reduce the gap between the second dose of the covid—19 vaccine and the booster. you will remember all of this, the rules have changed and you should be able to get one after three months rather than six months but the health boards are not ready to implement that system, at least three health boards are advising patients that legal changes are required before that interval can't be produced. some people not yet getting that booster vaccine, the third vaccine, even if they booked one, because they were more than three months in, but apparently not on there is more to come on that. just emerging from our colleagues in glasgow... we have been talking about that w h that is going on in geneva. let's talk about more about what was said. doctor mike bryan is the executive director of the health emergencies programme. he said there is no evidence that he knows of that giving a boosterjab to entire populations will provide greater protection. we can hear some of that... the greater protection. we can hear some of that. .. , . , greater protection. we can hear some ofthat... , . , : :, of that. .. the primary ob'ective of all governments h of that. .. the primary ob'ective of all governments must _ of that. .. the primary objective of all governments must be - of that. .. the primary objective of all governments must be in - of that. .. the primary objective of all governments must be in the i of that. .. the primary objective of l all governments must be in the face of delta and omicron and others, to ensure all vulnerable individuals, older age people with underlying conditions, are immediately offered the vaccine to ensure that everyone has had at least a primary course of vaccine. there are others here who can better answer questions other variants, but right now there is no evidence that i am aware of that would suggest that boasting the entire population is going to necessarily provide any greater protection for otherwise healthy individuals against hospitalisation or death and the real risk of severe disease and death lies particularly with at risk individuals who require protection against all variants of covid—19. protection against all variants of covid-19. :, ~ ,, protection against all variants of covid-19. :, �* . covid-19. doctor mike bryan at the who. the leader of the house of commons and conservative mp jacob rees—mogg is under investigation by the parliamentary commissioner for standards. the leader of the scottish conservatives, douglas ross, is also the subject of another inquiry. the commissioner's website says mr rees—mogg is being investigated for a potential breach of the rules on registering outside earnings. a man has been arrest on suspicion of trespassing at the palace of westminster. he was detained by metropolitan police officers at around three o'clock this afternoon. the met said the arrest is not being treated as a terror incident. staff from 58 universities across the uk have begun a three—day strike. it's to protest about their pay, pensions and working conditions, and there are worries more strikes could take place if a deal cannot be reached. our education correspondent elaine dunkley reports. university staff on strike. angry about pensions, pay and working conditions. it's destroyed my faith in education. i've been in higher education for 30 years. and ijust feel it needs a radical, radical change. many protesting say this is about protecting pensions, and say vice chancellors want to make changes to the scheme they are on based on a flawed evaluation of finances. our members are looking at a 35% cut to their guaranteed pension, and we are arguing it is not necessary. the key reason why is, the valuation that suggested there was a deficit and therefore a need to change, that was conducted in march last year. there was a global economic shutdown and obviously the pensions scheme has bounced back into much better health. universities uk, which represents 1a0 institutions, says the changes are needed to plug the funding gap. students support staff on strike! but caught in the middle of this bitter dispute are students. there have been previous strikes, and after 18 months of disruption due to the pandemic and fees of £9,000 a year, they are also worried about their futures. a lot of people are very angry because theyjust don't think it's fair that after a year of strikes followed by a year and a half of online learning, they have just got back to normal, things are just about starting to get back into the swing and then we are being, we are facing possibly months of strikes. | we are also paying for our staffj to get paid decent pay and have decent working conditions, j which they are not getting, so we should be in solidarity. with them, because their fight is our fight. vice chancellors say they are working to reduce the impact on students. there are many things that we can do in universities to make sure that the students don't suffer. we can change deadlines, we can change teaching methods, we can change assessments, we can change personnel, there's all sorts of things that we can do. it's the start of three days of industrial action, and with no resolution in sight, staff and students are preparing for more disruption. elaine dunkley, bbc news, in leeds. now it's time for a look at the weather with darren bett. hello there. unfortunately it is getting colder again because the winds are turning to a northerly direction and we have got what is left of any mild air across more southern areas where we see rain and drizzle moving down from the north but it is turning colder further northward temperatures early this evening only a few degrees. we have the stream of showers coming into the stream of showers coming into the north sea coast and some snow even to lower levels in northern scotland and a few showers heading to northern ireland and the south—west and where we keep showers overnight it will particularly icy. there will be a widespread frost overnight, colderthan there will be a widespread frost overnight, colder than last night with temperatures lowest in scotland. we see the back of the showers in south wales but we will see more of the wintry showers feeding in on a cold wind drying up across much of scotland are many places having a dry day with a fair bit of sunshine but not so for northern ireland with clouds coming in here and that will move to western parts of scotland and even with the sunshine it will be a colder day than today the temperature is perhaps no higher than three or a. hello, this is bbc news with mejane hill. the headlines. there's no need to cancel your christmas arrangements says the health secretary — though he urges caution as cases of the omicron variant rise. it comes as leaked documents from scientists who advise the government say the impact of the omicron variant on the uk is "highly uncertain" — but officials should prepare now for �*a potentially signficant wave' of infections, while they find out more. the prime minister says �*all guidance was followed', when asked whether a christmas party was held at downing street during lockdown last year. the world health organization warns of a "toxic mix" of low vaccination coverage and testing rates is creating a breeding ground for new variants. the virus, as it continues to evolve, may still have a fitness advantage, meaning it could become more transmissible, more transmissible than delta, we will have to see. tens of thousands of people face a sixth night without power following outages in north england and scotland caused by storm arwen. the government outlines more details of its 10—year plan to reform the social care system in england including £300m investment to help people live independently for longer. sport now, and a full round up from the bbc sport centre. it's a full fixture list tonight in the premier league — six matches, including the merseyside derby and — while rafael benitez has managed at 1a of those games — this will be the first time that it's been for the blue side of the city. the former liverpool manager will become the first man in more than a century to have taken charge of both clubs in a merseyside derby. but he has a tough task on his hands. everton are not in the best form, they're without a win in seven matches. it is a massive game for us and we had a bad run now. and we need to start winning and the derby is always an opportunity to put things right, so a massive game for us and we are thinking aboutjust getting three points. manchester city are also in action at aston villa, a game which could see british record signing jack grealish play against his old club. however, he is one of several doubts for city, leaving manager pep guardiola with only 15 first team players, but he's not one to complain. we are in an emergency, and emergency of the fact of the squad having a few, few people. and, for red cards, people are missing out. we have to come back and never complain and never miss the players who are not possible to play for injuries, red cards, for any reason. arsenal play manchester united tomorrow and mikel arteta has been talking about the bravery of his player gabriel who confronted burglars in his home. a man has beenjailed forfive years after being found guilty of robbing the defender. the brazilian was recovering from an injury at the time. gabriel showed a lot of character using the reaction he had straight away and credit to the boy. and after that, away and credit to the boy. and afterthat, he away and credit to the boy. and after that, he was fine, he was shocked and there were a few things he wanted to change in his life to try to prevent those things happening, and the club gave him all the support that he needed to try and forget about this situation, learn from it and move on. johanna konta has said she's very grateful for her career in tennis after announcing her retirement from the sport. the 30—year old won four titles on the wta tour and holds the record for the longest time as women's british number one. konta reached the semi—finals at wimbledon in 2017, eventually losing to simona halep. but that took her to the position of world number four that year — the highest ranking by a british woman since virginia wade in 1978. however, konta has struggled with her fitness. an abdominal injury, then contracting covid, meant she missed both wimbledon and the olympics this year. she's also been sufferring from heart palpitations. konta said whatever she does next, it will involve tennis. i definitely see myself staying in this sport, to a certain extent. i don't know to what capacity but i love the sport on this board has given so much to me so i would definitely love to share that with other people. former england captain michael vaughan has been dropped from bt sport's coverage of the ashes, following the accusation made by former yorkshire cricketer azeem rafiq that he made a racist comment to a group of asian players. vaughan has repeatedly denied the allegation, specifically in a recent interview with bbc breakfast a few days ago where he also apologised for the pain azeem rafiq experienced during his time at yorkshire. the allegation was mentioned in rafiq's testimony to a dcms select committee looking into historical racism at yorkshire county cricket club. bt sport's decision comes after the bbc dropped vaughan from their ashes coverage. bt sport said in a statement: ronnie o'sullivan is through to the last eight at the uk snooker championship in york. the seven—time champion saw off thailand's noppon saengkham, winning four straight frames to take the match 6—3, finishing in style with a century break. he faces kyren wilson or ben wollaston next. and before we go, glasgow has won the bid to host the world athletics indoor championships in 202a. more on that story on the bbc sport website. we turn to a case at the high court. the paedophile former football coach barry bennell has told a high court trial that he stole or borrowed manchester city kit for his youth teams to wear during the 19805. bennell, who is injail after being convicted of child sex offences, has denied being linked to manchester city during the 19805, after eight men who say heabused them made damages claims against the club. our correspondent laura scott is at the high court. explain a little bit more about this case and what is being said today, laura. well, when it was confirmed at the start of the trial that barry bennell will be giving evidence as a witness, the claimants barrister meant the defence of manchester city was being based on the words of one of britain's most notorious paedophile. of britain's most notorious paedophile-— of britain's most notorious --aedohile. : . :, , paedophile. and a wholly unreliable la er. paedophile. and a wholly unreliable lawyer- michael _ paedophile. and a wholly unreliable lawyer. michael kent _ paedophile. and a wholly unreliable lawyer. michael kent qc— paedophile. and a wholly unreliable i lawyer. michael kent qc representing the club said it was the only option because of the relevant witnesses had died. today, giving a second day evidence from prison in cambridgeshire where he is serving a 3a year sentence for sexual offences against boys, barry bennell said there was no proof he worked for manchester city at the time that the eight claimants say he abused them when playing for his junior teams and he said the legal team was clutching at straws and the majority of the claimants were following proceedings remotely as it was put to bennell that they said they wore manchester city kit in training games and matches. bennell said he had stolen a bag of kit from the club more than once. he said in 2003 that a witness statement he had written, he had got a job as a youth coach for manchester city, was written out of guilt or signed out of guilt for abusing a former crewe alexandra player and denies it was true. he was also asked about a cv in which he said he had spent seven years coaching part—time at manchester city and again he said this was a lie to make himself look good. he said there was no benefit in him giving evidence and there would be backlash for it, but at the end of today's proceedings he said that he thought the boys who were abused deserve compensation. a0 years since the first aids—related death was reported in the uk — the goverment has pledged to end new hiv infections by 2030. aids claimed thousands of lives throughout the eighties and nineties — many of them young, gay men. and this year — to mark world aids day — there's an exhibition in liverpool honouring all those lives lost. josh parry reports. brian was just 29 when he died of an aids—related illness. it was 1995. one year before life—saving treatment became widely available. i remember seeing him for the first time falling into the room and laughing his head off with a great big scarf on. we kind of bumped into each other and just gels in a way i have never experienced with anyone else ever since. we were suddenly brian and jerry and we stayed brian and jerry until the day he died. it felt there was nothing we could not do. it felt like the world was waiting, basically. obviously later quite a lot changed. we started to hear that this disease was killing americans and we could not think there was a disease just killing gay people. everything changed. do you remember when brian told you he found out he was hiv positive? it was incredibly strange because i saw him and i immediately knew he was positive. we just looked at each other and stopped being the brian and jerry that we always were. there was that look of thinness and i remember being really overwhelmed by that. in the 19805, hiv was not fully understood. because of misconceptions about the virus, some funeral homes and viru5, some funeral homes and surviving virus, some funeral homes and surviving family members refused to give those who died a proper funerals. with no official collective memorial the lgbt community in america started to make panels in commemoration. by 199a the uk had its own quilt, and brian's panel was a part of it. today, that panel will go on display for the first time in more than 25 years as part of a special exhibition in liverpool to mark world aids day. by displaying these quilts we're having conversations and remembering how it was in the early days and dispelling the myths about what it is like today to live with hiv. remembering the lives of people take into early and educating people now about living well with hiv. you cannot pass it on is you are effective medication how are you both feeling? it is overwhelming. ifeel quite shaky, to be honest. it is stunning. brian united jerry and jocelyn back then. a desire to keep his memory alive is what brings them together now. josh parry, bbc news. huge progress has been made in the treatment, prevention and understanding of the disease — but four decades on, misinformation about hiv and aids still swirls, and causes significant harm to people living with the virus. with me now is our health and disinformation reporter rachel schraer. i'm interested to see what kind of misinformation, myths that you see still swelling around so many years on, rachel. still swelling around so many years on. rachel-— still swelling around so many years on, rachel. :, , , :, on, rachel. probably the most common thin i've on, rachel. probably the most common thing we heard — on, rachel. probably the most common thing i've heard from _ on, rachel. probably the most common thing i've heard from people _ on, rachel. probably the most common thing i've heard from people living - thing i've heard from people living with hiv and working in the sector is the idea that people with hiv will always be infectious and the risk to others and a lot of that comes from a gap in information which leads to that misconception because people aren't necessarily aware of the fact that drug treatment is effective and once people are on treatment and it's all working as it should, the virus can be undetectable in their blood and if the levels of the virus cannot be detected in blood, they cannot pass it on but people don't necessarily seem aware of that, so they see people as a risk to others, to the extent that they may not want to be in a relationship with them or to do certainjobs. in a relationship with them or to do certain jobs-— certain “obs. yes, and you've been talkin: certainjobs. yes, and you've been talkin: to certainjobs. yes, and you've been talking to a _ certainjobs. yes, and you've been talking to a number _ certainjobs. yes, and you've been talking to a number of _ certainjobs. yes, and you've been talking to a number of people - certain jobs. yes, and you've been i talking to a number of people about this specifically.— this specifically. that's right. i think we can _ this specifically. that's right. i think we can hear _ this specifically. that's right. i think we can hear from - this specifically. that's right. i think we can hear from joey i this specifically. that's right. i - think we can hear from joey spencer, a _ think we can hear from joey spencer, a —joyce think we can hear from joey spencer, a — joyce mensah who relocated to germany and she felt the need to relocate because of the stigma she felt in her country. people think the are felt in her country. people think they are never _ felt in her country. people think they are never safe _ felt in her country. people think they are never safe and - felt in her country. people think i they are never safe and somebody with hiv _ they are never safe and somebody with hiv until now. people are not comfortable to share the same kitchen. — comfortable to share the same kitchen, toilet and bath. people still think, they still think, that normal— still think, they still think, that normal bloody fluid — normal body fluid contains hiv. imagine me sitting — fluid contains hiv. imagine me sitting here with an ongoing taxable viral load _ sitting here with an ongoing taxable viral load and if it is undetectable it cannot — viral load and if it is undetectable it cannot be found, and people are scared _ it cannot be found, and people are scared of— it cannot be found, and people are scared of me. imagine the emotional torture~ _ scared of me. imagine the emotional torture. imagine the psychological trauma _ torture. imagine the psychological trauma this brings me. there are so many— trauma this brings me. there are so many things— trauma this brings me. there are so many things to talk about. goodness, the thou . ht many things to talk about. goodness, the thought that _ many things to talk about. goodness, the thought that people _ many things to talk about. goodness, the thought that people are _ many things to talk about. goodness, the thought that people are still - the thought that people are still scared of her, that is heartbreaking. and you been talking to people and you can tell us more about the misinformation, the misunderstanding and the impact it can have on people still. taste misunderstanding and the impact it can have on people still.— can have on people still. we heard from joyce — can have on people still. we heard from joyce about _ can have on people still. we heard from joyce about the _ can have on people still. we heard from joyce about the real - can have on people still. we heard. from joyce about the real emotional pain and impact of feeling rejected. and feeling people don't want anything to do with you. but in other cases there were tangible impacts and joyce's own daughter was sent home after the idea and people might not want to be in relationships, even to the point of people believing in false cures and taking the drugs they need to manage their condition, but the other end of things which can also affect people is the idea that hiv i5 of things which can also affect people is the idea that hiv is not a problem any more and they can seek diagnosis or treatment and we can hear more about that from christine, who is the head of the front line aids charity. the biggest misconception is hiv is not a _ the biggest misconception is hiv is not a problem any more and in some ways— not a problem any more and in some ways you _ not a problem any more and in some ways you can— not a problem any more and in some ways you can say it isn't, because we can— ways you can say it isn't, because we can treat _ ways you can say it isn't, because we can treat hiv very well and people — we can treat hiv very well and people have good life expectancy and have happy and productive lives if they are _ have happy and productive lives if they are on antiviral treatment, but we also _ they are on antiviral treatment, but we also know that many people still die of— we also know that many people still die of aids _ we also know that many people still die of aids —related causes. so we also know that many people still die of aids -related causes. so much has changed — die of aids -related causes. so much has changed in _ die of aids -related causes. so much has changed in the _ die of aids -related causes. so much has changed in the last _ die of aids -related causes. so much has changed in the last 40 _ die of aids -related causes. so much has changed in the last 40 years. i has changed in the last a0 years. it's quite dramatic, and the medical advances have been extraordinary, but we might city in the uk thinking that everything is sorted and it is resolved, but i suppose it varies depending where you live in the world. there are disparities there. so what is your overall sense of the extent to which everyone is understanding and knowledge of hiv and aids has shifted in four decades. and aids has shifted in four decades-— and aids has shifted in four decades. :, . , . decades. on the one hand there is a ositive decades. on the one hand there is a positive message _ decades. on the one hand there is a positive message that _ decades. on the one hand there is a positive message that countries - positive message that countries might be most severely affected do have the best education and knowledge, but that peyton doesn't always hold, and the chief executive of the terrence higgins trust charity said while we have had these huge leaps and bounds in medical advances peoples understanding has not kept pace and lots of people view and how risky hiv i5, not kept pace and lots of people view and how risky hiv is, it's a death sentence and some people will always be at risk from having the virus which is not true but the view does remain for many people in many parts of the world.— parts of the world. yes, so world aids day is _ parts of the world. yes, so world aids day is an — parts of the world. yes, so world aids day is an opportunity - parts of the world. yes, so world aids day is an opportunity to - parts of the world. yes, so world aids day is an opportunity to talkj aids day is an opportunity to talk about that and share the information. thank you very much for now, rachel. the government has announced a new repairs service to help older and disabled people live independently for longer in their own homes as part of key social care reforms. it is investing at least £300 million to increase the range of supported housing and at least £150 million to drive greater adoption of technology, which can support independent living and improve care. the measures were part of an announcement on how ministers plan to reform social care — but labour say the plans fall way short of what's required. the care minister, gillian keegan, laid out the plans to the commons earlier this afternoon. time and time again we have heard about the challenges in this house. the high turnover in the workforce, the lottery of how people pay for it. the unsustainable local markets. the varying quality and safety of care. the low uptake of technology. the carers who are notjust unpaid but underappreciated and the complexity of the system for everyone involved. i am sure honourable members have their own challenges that they will add to the list. make no mistake, these are complex issues. so complex that successive governments over decades have decided to duck them rather than deal with them. but this government is determined to get it right. after all, you cannot be serious about levelling up unless you are serious about social care. in september we took a vital first step on the route to fixing this generational problem. when the prime minister, the chancellor and the secretary of state announced our new health and care levy. and that focus on how we must pay for it is absolutely right. but we were clear then and we are clear now that there is much more and much else we need to do. this white paper contains more detail on what we plan to do over the next three years. to transform the sector over the next decade, the white paper is underpinned by three core principles. first, that everybody has choice, control and support to live independent lives. second, that everyone can access outstanding personalised care and support. and third, that adult social care is fair and accessible for everyone who needs it. and here was the reaction from labour's shadow social care minister liz kendall. really, mr speaker, is that it? there are some things the minister said that we have been calling for for some while, like improving housing options for older and disabled people and the potential for technology to improve standards of care. but there are two central flaws in this government's approach. ministers have utterly failed to deal with the immediate pressures facing social care as we head into one of the most difficult winters on record. and they have failed to set out the long—term vision and more fundamental reforms we need to deliver a care system fit for the future. let's return now to our top story — the government's attempts to tackle the new coronavirus variant, the omicron variant. the health secretary sajid javid has been giving an update. he said its expected cases will go up and he urged people to consider taking rapid tests. first of all, i'm pleased that we have expert advisers and it's really important that ministers get expert advice, but it is precisely because we don't know enough about this variant that we have taken the action that we have, so our strategy is all about buying time so we can assess it but also so we can build our defences and we've been really clear in the last few days that the best way to continue to defend ourselves i5 best way to continue to defend ourselves is to do it through the fantastic vaccine programme and that is why we are expanding the booster programme. is why we are expanding the booster programme-— is why we are expanding the booster rouramme. ,. . . . programme. there is always a balance to be made with _ programme. there is always a balance to be made with waiting _ programme. there is always a balance to be made with waiting for— programme. there is always a balance to be made with waiting for the - to be made with waiting for the right data but also ensuring that action has been taken when clearly it is in the community, so how do we know that enough has been done? i can tell you there are 32 confirmed cases at the moment throughout the uk. 22 of those in england and ten are in scotland. a5 uk. 22 of those in england and ten are in scotland. as i've said recently, we expect cases to go up and we are working hard in terms of testing, target testing and sequences of the test to do that but also some of the recent message we announced our very targeted measures such as the need to self isolate if you come into close contact with someone who might have suspected case of the variant. these are the right types of measures and i think they are balanced and proportionate. what you make of the current analysis that the new variant might be with the cases they have seen, they are just mild? i be with the cases they have seen, they are just mild?— they are just mild? i think all toaether they are just mild? i think all together across _ they are just mild? i think all together across the - they are just mild? i think all together across the world - they are just mild? i think all together across the world we j they are just mild? i think all - together across the world we are learning more about this variant on the work that the world health organization does but equally what we do, i hosted the core of my g7 counterparts yesterday to talk with them and listen to them about the work they are doing and we will all work they are doing and we will all work together and in doing so we can learn collectively much more about this variant. in learn collectively much more about this variant-— this variant. in times of dealing with the winter, _ this variant. in times of dealing with the winter, whether - this variant. in times of dealing with the winter, whether the i this variant. in times of dealing - with the winter, whether the variant becomes severe or mild, we still have huge staffing level problems with rotors not being filled and people very stressed in the nhs, working in the nhs and their morale i5 working in the nhs and their morale is low. what do you plan to do about that? in the first thing i would say about anyone who works in the nhs. i am full of praise for the work they have been doing and the work they've been doing for two years, probably the biggest challenge in their lifetimes in terms of dealing with the pandemic and what they have done has saved lives daily and now we are asking them to do a lot more through the step up in the national vaccination programme. i know they are up to it but we want to make sure they are provided with all the support needed and that includes the volunteers, the 500 or so personnel we are getting help from in terms of military personnel but it's about all of us working together but we all of us working together but we all have a role to play and this is all have a role to play and this is a national mission what we set out in vaccinations and we can all play a role and if you get a call, anyone listening gets a call from the nhs because it is their opportunity to because it is their opportunity to be vaccinated, i would say step up, roll up your sleeves and get protected. we canjust we can just see, briefly, we canjust see, briefly, i believe in downing street, they are preparing and i'm looking at a very small screen, so you can see better than me. i am told they are preparing to light the christmas tree. interesting timing on the day when we are talking about lockdown christmas parties. let's leave that, but apparently they are planning to light that, on the first of december. now it's time for a look at the weather with darren bett. hello there. good evening. the wind direction is changing and we are seeing more of a northerly wind heading back into the uk and that doesn't mean it's going to be cold as well and the northerly winds follow this weather front and bringing rain across southern areas around the area of low pressure and especially around coastal areas, and for northern and eastern parts of the uk, it will stay windy overnight tonight and this is where we will see most of the showers as well. these are the temperatures as we head into the early evening, so dropping away from the north and the last of the rain is on the far south of england and we can trace where it is going from the bering sea which is going from the bering sea which is temperatures will be dropping and i5 temperatures will be dropping and feel colder than today. the rain clears away from southern parts of england and showers come streaming in to the north sea coasts. wintry as well, snow to low levels in scotland in the north and heading away from northern ireland into wales in the south—west and that is where we keep the showers and see the icy conditions and into tomorrow morning where we start with a cold start tomorrow with a widespread frost. we can soon see the back of the showers in south wales and south—west england and it will turn drier across scotland, and they will get blown into east anglia and eastern parts. many other areas dry with quite a bit of sunshine but not much for northern ireland with more cloud coming in from the atlantic that will arrive in western scotland in the afternoon. ahead of that although we have the sunshine it will be colder than today so temperatures in some places no better than three or four or 5. temperatures in some places no better than three or four or 5 . we have the cold air in place and milder air is trying to come in from the atlantic and along the boundary we find a weather front which could bring snow on thursday evening, perhaps scotland, the pennines, the welsh hills and wintry weather for a while across the midlands and east anglia but it's just for a short while and then it turns back to rain again and milderair while and then it turns back to rain again and milder air comes down from the north and we have rain to clear away from southeastern areas on friday. cloudy in the south of england, rain threatening to come backin england, rain threatening to come back in the south—west later and further north, some operator. not as cold on friday as we have cut off the supply of cold air but in the north—west we have some wet weather lurking to arrive in the north west of scotland and northern ireland later in the day and that will push east overnight, and still have the north to north mouth westerly winds coming back over the weekend, so a little on the chilly side. some showers on saturday and it looks like sunday will be drier and brighter with more in the way of sunshine but we are likely to stay in the cold air as we head into next week. this is bbc news, i'm victoria derbyshire. the headlines... after the prime minister refuses to deny that christmas gatherings took place in downing street during lockdown, an attendee tells the bbc that several dozen people were there for drinks, food and games. no need to cancel your christmas parties says the health secretary — despite the rise in cases of the omicron variant. sajid javid urged people to get their booster jab to combat covid. it comes as leaked documents from scientific advisers urge officials to prepare for "a potentially significant wave" of infections. the world health organisation has also issued this warning on the omicron variant. right now, there is no

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