waves. as the us supreme court delivers its deliberations - waves. as the us supreme court delivers its deliberations over i delivers its deliberations over access to abortion, will look at how this issue divides america. will have a full update on the omicron variant of covid—19. let's talk about the let's take you to berlin now where a traditional military ceremony is underway to bid farewell to the chancellor angela merkel angela merkel has been a fixture are notjust german politics but global politics too and this is a huge moment for germany as it moves beyond a leader who has really shaped the germany that we see. the nature of its economy, the different laws of the lives by have largely been shaped by her leadership assets has its position in the world. let's bring in the bbc correspondent as we look at this and damien, does every chancellor get a sign off like this? yes, they do. it is a big ceremony and it's the biggest honour you can get from germany's military. so, every would get the ceremony but, they don't quite do with the same way as angela merkel does it. she is known to be quite a reticent character with the good sense of humour and the song she has chosen has really surprised everyone. we look back at him when he left him because he chose a couple of the songs in the ceremony, when he left, he chose i did it my way, by frank sinatra which says a lot about his personality. angela merkel has chosen a very different song reflecting her own personality, and 18 century christian him, she grew up 18 century christian him, she grew up with george or pastor, the second song was a very famous song, a 1940s, 50s actress and very famous singer in berlin. and the third psalm, there are really two people by surprise by nina, who became big as a punk in the 80s in berlin. it actually driven east germany and there, produced and made a very famous pop song and it is that pop song that was quite an ironic song, or would he take it it is well and former communist east germany that angela merkel is chosen and that's got people really talking consider for flexibility got people really talking consider forflexibility on her got people really talking consider for flexibility on her roots which she until quite recently didn't really talk about and also shows a sense of humour because the song is all about a girl telling of a boyfriend because forgot to bring her, to look at the camera with the colour film her, to look at the camera with the colourfilm instead her, to look at the camera with the colour film instead to just a black and white film. it is a witty take on how black—and—white and grey the gdi, former communist east germany was back then. it reflects a little bit about angela merkel�*s personality. figs bit about angela merkel's personality-— bit about angela merkel's personality. bit about angela merkel's ersonali . a , ., personality. as we see the parade assed b personality. as we see the parade passed by it. _ personality. as we see the parade passed by it, chancellor _ personality. as we see the parade passed by it, chancellor merkel, l personality. as we see the parade i passed by it, chancellor merkel, but this have been attended by a lot of people in this covid—19 shaping the eventin people in this covid—19 shaping the event in some way? people in this covid-19 shaping the event in some way?— people in this covid-19 shaping the event in some way? yes, absolutely. normally would _ event in some way? yes, absolutely. normally would have _ event in some way? yes, absolutely. normally would have thousands - event in some way? yes, absolutely. normally would have thousands of i normally would have thousands of people in the big allah afterwards. each party in here, you have a select gathering ofjust a couple of hundred in total, including the people taking part because of covid—19 restrictions, very small, the party has been scrapped but i'm sure angela merkel will have a glass of wine with her closest advisers afterwards. she probably doesn't mind getting rid of the big party because thousand big show of event and that is something that no amount of banter, even her critics would say she is not one for big flashy events. which she is 1a is remembering these last 16 years and she has been talking quite recently now about how she feels about leaving. one of the things she said that she doesn't really know which is going to do next and that she is going to be quite tired and she might be falling asleep a lot while she reads books and wants to catch up she reads books and wants to catch up on reading and she doesn't want to take any high political office. she, we have found out that she's going to employ quite a large office of people and she is not going to be idle. she's going to be doing something, but she's not revealing what that's going to be. it won't be a political office, which is going to be doing something, that's for sure. ~ ., , to be doing something, that's for sure. ~ . , ~ ., to be doing something, that's for sure. ~ �* ., ~ ~' to be doing something, that's for sure. ., ~ ~ sure. went as angela merkel stop bein: in sure. went as angela merkel stop being in charge? _ sure. went as angela merkel stop being in charge? next _ sure. went as angela merkel stop being in charge? next week, - being in charge? next week, ordinarily on wednesday, the incoming chancellor, he is a social democrat and politician, current finance minister but will now be his next chancellor and he will be sworn in in an official ceremony on wednesday and from that point, he starts work and has already started work because just earlier today, he, together with angela merkel, the outgoing chancellor and the regional government already introduced and decided new restrictions to stem the red sing infection rates in the pandemic and so we have already started work as the chancellor effectively. started work as the chancellor effectively-— started work as the chancellor effectivel . �* . , ~ ., effectively. but that is when angela merkel leaves _ effectively. but that is when angela merkel leaves and _ effectively. but that is when angela merkel leaves and she _ effectively. but that is when angela merkel leaves and she takes - effectively. but that is when angela merkel leaves and she takes over. l merkel leaves and she takes over. thank you very much and will be keeping you in touch with this. we'll be coming back to you for the full update on covid—19 in germany. but as we turn our attention to the pandemic let's begin in south africa. we start in south africa, the epicentre of the outbreak of a new covid—19 variant, omicron. cases there have nearly tripled in three days. over 11,500 infections have been recorded in the past day that figure was 4,300 on wednesday. and two weeks ago, it was 290. officials believe south africa is now in the grip of a fourth wave, driven by omicron. here's the country's institute for communicable diseases. it does look like there is a predominance of omicron throughout the country and omicron has been identified through sequencing and at least five of our provinces. and sequencing data that we think the other provinces we just love and not identified yet because we don't have specimens that have been sequenced on this provinces. the focus in south africa is the most populated province, gauteng. cases have been increasing by over 375% week on week. three quarters of them are omicron. however while we know infections are going up — we also know that hospital admissions have only slightly increased. we need to put this in perspective. it's been only 8 days since south africa reported the new variant to the world health organization, so there's stil so much so there's still so much scientists don't know. here's one of south africa's top experts on infectious diseases. there are more mutations particularly around and spike protein, the areas for neutralising antibodies find and therefore, it is likely that we are going to see increased infections on the early date of which certainly suggests that. but it does not say is that across all variants up until now, and suggest in this case of omicron, the vaccine will protect against severe disease, hospitalisations and deaths. which is the primary aim of these vaccines. so, early evidence shows omicron is more transmissible, next lets look at whether it causes more severe sickness. cheryl cohen is from south africa's national institute for communicable diseases in johannesburg. in terms of who was affected, as many new strains, and the initial cases it seems to be an older teenagers as opposed to particularly younger adults in university age students and this is more mobile parts of population and we are seeing the cases of omicron throughout all age groups in our society. but i think it's really important is that it is still very early days to comment on severity. so, certainly at this stage, the vast majority of cases, the important thing to notice is that they're going up faster than previous waves and we know that with more severe cases, special covid—19, hospitalisations to take some time to occur. and so, it will certainly take a few weeks before the full picture of severity and we are able to make a confident assessment on the severity. in another development, the w—h—o has announced its sending a team to gauteng. for more on how south africa is responding, here's nomsa maseko. with the rising number, there been an increase in the number of people that are lining up to get vaccinated. the president of south africa, has held a briefing earlier this week in which he urged more people to get vaccinated and also insinuated that there could be compulsory vaccinations of people if they want access to places like restau ra nts they want access to places like restaurants and bars and activities and also buildings around the country. but you also urged people to stay away from mass gatherings and also particularly funerals where new infections are seen where the outbreaks have been seen taking place. it south africa at this stage is on a level one lockdown which means gathering up to 7000 people outside of around 2000 people outside of around 2000 people outside where there still allowed in 750 indoor depending on how big the venue is still permissible and also, with the holiday period coming up, there are bound to be loads of gatherings and there is an expectation that the government is going to hold another briefing in which the lockdown regulations will most probably be made stricter. south africa raised the alarm about omicron on november 24th. within days, botswana announced that genomic surveillance detected four earlier cases on the 11th of november. since then its spread to ghana and nigeria in west africa . here's the concern of the world health organisation in africa. in africa, the omicron variant is at 54% in covid—19 infections. it should be noted that it is mostly in southern africa. while new covid—19 cases are rising in southern africa, they have dropped in all other subregions during the past week from the previous week. omicron is now in every continent — bar antactica. 2a countries have confirmed cases, india is one of them. in the past 2a hours, two people in the southern state of karnataka are infected, they had recently travelled from south africa. officials are worried about a repeat of this, the second devastating wave of delta in april and may. cases reached 400,000 a day, pushing the health system close to collapse. here's yotiga limaye on the government's response to omicron. people have been arriving to other parts of the world in south africa have tested positive for covid—19, they have also been sent in for genome sequencing. from wednesday, the government has introduced restrictions for people arriving in at risk countries, which include nations like the uk, south africa, hong kong, bangladesh, new zealand and israel. so, passengers were coming in from these countries have to do a swap test at the airport and they are not allowed to leave the airport until the result of that comes in. for the past few weeks, and he has been recording less than 10,000 daily new infections of covid—19 but this is a country that saw very devastating wave in april and may. the trauma is still fresh in peoples minds and so when talking to people, they have been saying that they are anxious about this new variant. what is different for indian now compared to april and may is that according to government numbers, 49% of india's adult population has been fully vaccinated. so, officials say today in a press conference that they are remaining alert, but the citizens should not panic. so we've talked about the pandemic in africa and india. some of what we heard. we are going to accelerate — some of what we heard. we are going to accelerate efforts _ some of what we heard. we are going to accelerate efforts to _ some of what we heard. we are going to accelerate efforts to vaccinate - to accelerate efforts to vaccinate the rest of the world. and strengthen the international travel roles for people in the united states. i plan to announce today, and it pulls no punches in the fight against covid—19. it is a plan that they should unite us. i know covid—19 has been very divisive in this country. it has become a political issue, which is a sad, sad commentary. it should not be but it has been. now, as you move into the winter and face the challenges of the new variant. this is a mum work and put the device that's behind us, i hope. this is a moment where we can do will be have not been able to do enough of to the soul pandemic. get the nation to come together. that is president biden. this is from angela merkel.— from angela merkel. access to leisure and _ from angela merkel. access to leisure and cultural— from angela merkel. access to leisure and cultural centres - from angela merkel. access to | leisure and cultural centres will only be for vaccinated and recovered people. it will also be the requirement for a test. and this will also be extended to shops with an exception for essential shops. so, unvaccinated germans will be banned from shops and bars. to assess why, we need to look at two key statistics. 68% of germany's population are fully vaccinated. cases though have risen sharply. in the past 2a hours germany has recorded over 75,000 cases. a month ago, infections were half that. damian mcguinness is with us. is their support for this measure? in the mainstream, yes. we are seeing protests. with these measures mean is that anyone who has not had the vaccines from the leashes facilities. any cultural activity, any sports activity and they have to get a test to go to work and that is, some would say a big infringement of people and the vaccine, but the majority of people according to polls support these numbers and also has support from every political party, apart from the right—wing populists and we can safely say there is a broad stream support for these measures, but it is a big step for germany to exclude a certain sector of the population from most activities. and that is why we are seeing street protests in some parts of germany, very small but very violent and that than we might see over the area it will be the political mood developing, we might see those protests grow. but then also what we seeing is because then also what we seeing is because the numbers are so high, the worst infection rates that germany has ever seen, there is a realisation among people that after quite a few weeks of uncertainty over the outgoing government and the incoming government or the regents wanted in central government wanted, all of those political actors come together and agree and that is also gotten a lot of support because it's been a bit of confusion over how bad the situation has been in the current legal framework has expired and that's with the order government had agreed in the new government had agreed in the new government had agreed a new one which some people thought was not strong enough now. that has been these concerns is confusions have been resolved and that will give people slightly more certainty over what is going on. and that will mean that people will know what restrictions to expect because of the moment, we have patrick restrictions across the country in some areas where they are restricted and where it's not the case. we'll see a lot more unity and probably less confusion, but possibly be more opposition as well.— opposition as well. thank you very much indeed- _ let's turn to vaccines now. it's a year since the first pfizer vaccine was given in the uk. now the government has just confirmed it's ordered 114 million more doses from pfizer and moderna, to be delivered over two years. the deal allows for vaccines to be modified to tackle new variants of coronavirus. pfizer says it could get a new version ready in 100 days. fergus walsh has been speaking with the ceo of the company, here's his report. by by the end of the year, 3 billion doses of the covid—19 vaccine will of been produced. 4 billion next year. covid-19 vaccine will of been produced. 4 billion next year. hello sto b produced. 4 billion next year. hello step by the — produced. 4 billion next year. hello step by the boss — produced. 4 billion next year. hello stop by the boss of— produced. 4 billion next year. hello stop by the boss of pfizer _ produced. 4 billion next year. hello stop by the boss of pfizer is - produced. 4 billion next year. hello stop by the boss of pfizer is in no doubt about the most crucial role vaccines have played in this pandemic. think millions of lives were saved work was demonstrated, and the human ingenuity. since were saved work was demonstrated, and the human ingenuity.— and the human ingenuity. since the emeruence and the human ingenuity. since the emergence of _ and the human ingenuity. since the emergence of the _ and the human ingenuity. since the emergence of the omicron - and the human ingenuity. since the emergence of the omicron variant, | emergence of the omicron variant, pfizer, like other vaccine producers say they could have an updated jab ready in a hundred days if it is needed. do you predict that we are going to end up with fourth doses in fifth doses? if going to end up with fourth doses in fifth doses? ., ., going to end up with fourth doses in fifth doses?— fifth doses? if we have to make a cuess, fifth doses? if we have to make a guess. based _ fifth doses? if we have to make a guess, based on _ fifth doses? if we have to make a guess, based on everything - fifth doses? if we have to make a guess, based on everything i've l fifth doses? if we have to make a - guess, based on everything i've seen so far, i would say that it will likely we will need annual review vaccinations to make very robust high levels of protection. in october, the fda, the american regulator approved a vaccine for five to 11—year—olds. after successful trials. five to 11—year—olds. after successfultrials. do five to 11—year—olds. after successful trials. do you think immunising that age group is likely to happen in the uk and europe? i think it'sa to happen in the uk and europe? i think it's a very good idea. editing the covid—19 in schools is thriving. and there will be kids though have very severe symptoms there is no doubt in my mind that the benefits completely, completely are in favour of doing this. completely, completely are in favour of doing this-— of doing this. how do you think anti-vaccine _ of doing this. how do you think anti-vaccine stories _ of doing this. how do you think anti-vaccine stories that - of doing this. how do you think| anti-vaccine stories that appear anti—vaccine stories that appear should best be counted? i am anti-vaccine stories that appear should best be counted? i am not auoin to should best be counted? i am not going to be _ should best be counted? i am not going to be convinced _ should best be counted? i am not going to be convinced with - going to be convinced with scientific argument. i think for others, the only emotion of human beings which is stronger than fear is love. so, i am using this argument that the decision to get her not get a vaccine is not going to influence only your help. it's going to affect the health of others, particularly the health of the people you love the most. now, we're going to stay with the pandemic. and look at the controversy around downing street and whether the prime minister's colleagues stuck to covid rules this time last year. in december last year, covid cases were rising, restrictions were being tightened and christmas plans were being changed. on the 16th borisjohnson made this plea. this christmas it is vital that everyone exercises the greatest possible personal responsibilities. also on the 16th of december, this meant no person may participate in a also on 16 december, london went into tier three restrictions. this meant a ban on two or more people gathering on the 18th, my colleague hugh pym reported on the point the pandemic had reached. we could dip into incredibly difficult to manage. 51st we could dip into incredibly difficult to manage. 514 covid-19 deaths were _ difficult to manage. 514 covid-19 deaths were recorded _ difficult to manage. 514 covid-19 deaths were recorded in - difficult to manage. 514 covid-19 deaths were recorded in the - difficult to manage. 514 covid-19 deaths were recorded in the uk. | and in the morning that day, boris johnson tweeted: we were advised. hours after that tweet was posted, in the evening of the 18th, there was a party in no.10. we know about it because of a daily mirror story on tuesday. it described how: there is, i should add, no suggestion the prime minister was at this party. soon though the bbc�*s laura kuenssberg had more details. laura reported: we know from a source that there were drinks and there were nibbles and there were games, drinks. drinks, nibbles, games. and so it was that we saw this exchange at prime minister's questions. s does the prime minister really expected people were banned from christmas last year to make it was fine for him and his friends to throw a party in downing street? but i can what i can tell the right honourable gentleman is that all guidance was followed completely during no 10. the prime minister's spokes—person also commented — saying: they were then asked by a journalist: to which they replied: and we don't have anything explaining how this party could be within the rules. because as bbc reality check notes: or as chris mason put it: if something looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks, it probably is a duck. and as the week has gone on, more anonymous claims have emerged. one downing street insider told the ft there were often get togethers in the evenings in no ten while the country was in lockdown last christmas. another source told the mirror that the: or there's the guardian. it reports one source said: again — no.10 insists rules have always been followed. but for some the reports of the party on december 18th have been hard to hear. the psychologist dr pam jarvis has tweeted: my brother died in hospital on 18th december last year. he hadn't seen any family in real life for over a month due to lockdown. or there's safia nar. herfather caught covid in december and died in february. i think the fact that they had this party, this alleged party is just really upsetting. it is upsetting and insulting. it really is disgusting. to be honest. the morning after the games, drinks and nibbles in downing street, the prime minister was to ask even more of people. having repeatedly said he wouldn't change the rules at christmas, mrjohnson made this announcement. it is with a very heavy heart that we cannot continue with christmas as planned. millions of christmas gatherings were cancelled. less than 24 hours after downing street had had a gathering of its own. and while the prime minister maintains this didn't break the rules — he's offered no evidence to explain why. further coverage of that story and lots of others that we bring you one outside source through the bbc news website. is bbc dot com slash news website. is bbc dot com slash news we can download the app onto your smartphone and very easily search for it on bbc news. and on our second part of outside source, we'll look at the issue of abortion in america because this week, the supreme court has begun to hear a case that revolves around a new case in mississippi and it brings to a head over 50 years of campaigning around the issue. that is all coming up around the issue. that is all coming up in the next half of outside source. good evening. it's been cold but sunny and beautiful day for seeing some wintry sunshine and that's all to a ridge of high pressure. tomorrow is a different story with a lot more clout around but with that, some slightly less quarter in milder air pushing in. ridge of high pressures around the fine weather today. this frontal system has already pushed into northern ireland and scotland it will bring thicker cloud not bricks of rain. but the ritual was chill milder air and i'll be slowly working its way eastward through tonight. a wet start to the net across northern and western areas and potentially that ram will push southwards and eastward to the bit of clearance here to the blustery showers. we will continue to see some snow that bums into the corridor but there's a temperature rising across all areas by the end of the night and that snow will revert back to rain. it will be a milderfeeling day revert back to rain. it will be a milder feeling day tomorrow, particularly across england and wales they could start with double figures across the far southwest it a little less court as well for scotland and northern ireland. but there will be more clout around earlier with ray and northern ireland. but there will be more clout around earlier with rain clinton southeast leaving a legacy and we will have some blustery showers rattling the winds and pushing into the south east and south west england in south wells. for temperatures in the south, 11, 12 maybe 13 degrees here and less cold for the north too. the rain pushes eastwards across southern britain for friday night, plenty of showers packing into northern and western areas to the night as well and they will be turning increasingly wintry and that since the scene for the weekend. he'll be turning colder again and we'll see quite a few showers around as well. there will be some sunshine too. the say of low pressure to the north sea with the run of fairly brisk cold northwesterly winds through saturday and certainly enough to be pushing plenty of blustery showers and then they'll be some other funds pushing southeast. in some sunshine will break the record day and cold start for many, but more sunshine around and generally through the morning. if few coastal showers and most of these across north sea coasts and he shows me and work the way it will be further through the day. it's going to be another cold day. hello, i'm ros atkins, this is outside source. germany this is outside source. is anchored by two angela merkel. germany is anchored by two angela merkel. a ceremony is her stepping down as chancellor after 16 years with losing soldiers with flaming torches and a marching band. she let merkel got to choose the ceremony as well, she chose one tracked by the punk start need a hug and say and it was a highlight of your route. in south africa at the health officials say the omicron variant could be driving a sharp increase in covid infections which are tripled in a few days. infections which are tripled in a few da s. ,., ., ., few days. the important thing to know is that _ few days. the important thing to know is that cases _ few days. the important thing to know is that cases are _ few days. the important thing to know is that cases are going - few days. the important thing to know is that cases are going up i know is that cases are going up very fast, faster than they have certainly in breezy doing that previous waves. this certainly in breezy doing that previous waves.— certainly in breezy doing that revious waves. �* , ,, ,, , previous waves. as the us supreme court considers _ previous waves. as the us supreme court considers whether _ previous waves. as the us supreme court considers whether to - previous waves. as the us supreme court considers whether to restrict i court considers whether to restrict access to abortion we will look at how this issue is dividing america. let's begin this half hour with the increasing tensions between the west and russia. russia's foreign minister, sergei lavrov said that europe could be heading for what he called, "a new nightmare of military confrontation". mr lavrov was speaking at a european conference in sweden. he expressed fears about us plans to place intermediate range nuclear missiles in europe. the us secretary of state antony blinken is also in sweden, where he held talks with mr lavrov on the sidelines of the osce meeting. here's what he said. it's now on russia to de—escalate the current tensions by reversing the recent troop build—up, returning forces to normal peace time position refraining from further intimidation and attempts to destabilise ukraine. mr blinken is referring to the conflict in ukraine. the country has been fighting russian separatists in eastern ukraine since 2014. ukraine has accused russia of deploying heavy—armoured vehicles, electronic warfare systems and tens of thousands of troops along the countries' shared border, the second russian military build—up on the border so far this year. let's go to babara plett usher in washington... she usher in washington... monitors this relationship \ closely she monitors this relationship very closely photo i guess there are at least talking. closely photo i guess there are at least talking-— least talking. yes, they had a meetin: least talking. yes, they had a meeting on — least talking. yes, they had a meeting on the _ least talking. yes, they had a meeting on the sidelines - least talking. yes, they had a meeting on the sidelines as l least talking. yes, they had a i meeting on the sidelines as you said. we understand that they were sombre and businesslike. they were described as not theatrical or trading barbs with each other, they were quite straightforward. it was about a 40 minute meeting. i think they made a very plain to each other where things stood. mister blanket also said it was likely that president biden and president putin would be speaking in the near future. so they are talking to each other. but obviously, they are coming from very different perspectives and worldviews. you have started a lever of talking about the threat to russia with nato's expansion eastward to russia's borders and that's the framework with which russia has used to describe its actions over the past years. then you have mister saying the threat is russia with the military build—up speaking bluntly that if that turns into an invasion of ukraine there will be consequences. — blinking. he talked about high measures that they us allies head held up — blinken. they are still talking. it is allies head held up - blinken. they are still talking.— are still talking. it is true that the us that — are still talking. it is true that the us that owned _ are still talking. it is true that the us that owned the - are still talking. it is true that the us that owned the allies i are still talking. it is true that - the us that owned the allies have developed their military presence in the powers of europe that borders russia. how do they explain that, how did theyjustify that, do they not accept that there could be provocative to the russians? it’s a provocative to the russians? it's a aood provocative to the russians? it's a good question _ provocative to the russians? it's a good question because _ provocative to the russians? it�*s —. good question because that is something that president putin warned about a wild back and then it started to happen. as i said, he's been using that as an explanation for his actions since then. they talk about the need to protect europe from russian threats, very much that is the language the invasion of crimea in 2014 has kind of set the goal post for the united states and for europe. that was seen as an egregious act, an act outside the norm of relations and it's kind of being the way that the americans measure russian behaviour since then. world sporting bodies are continuing to apply pressure on china over concerns about the tennis player, peng shuai. yesterday the womens tennis association said it was suspending tournaments inside china. today the international olympic committee says it has managed to speak to peng shuai for a second time, via video link. it also put out a statement defending the way it's chosen to deal with the case saying... saying they are... the diplomacy from the womens tennis association on the other hand is rather louder. steve simon is its chair. full and independent investigation without any sensors ship needs to be held. we are knocking to walk away from this and were not can allow others to be swept away without the approach it respect and seriousness that the allegations that have been reflected are appropriately addressed. just to recap — peng shuai is a former world number one in the womens�* tennis doubles. one month ago she put this post on social media — on weibo — alleging that a former senior oficial in the chinese government had sexually assaulted her. and not just any senior official. zhang gaoli is a former vice premier — he had been one of seven people on the politburo standing committe who basically run china. after that — peng shuai disappeared from view for two whole weeks — raising huge concern. the approach taken by the olympic committee towards china here, has come in for criticism. listen to pam shriver — winner of 22 tennis grand slams and an olympic gold medal. well, first off, peng shuai is a three time olympian so they should be doing all they can to ensure that she is safe and free to speak up about sexual abuse allegations. but when you think about the ioc placing the olympic games there in 2008, the summer games so that would've been six or seven years prior to 2008, now they're going back for the winter games in 2022, i'm not sure quiet diplomacy has really helped human rights in china. so not quite sure how they can hang their hat on the quiet diplomacy has worked in the past it will work in this situation. i think what steve simon has done which is not to be so quiet but to speak out bravely and to pull the tournament side china, suspend them, i think that's the right way to go at this point. especially if you're leading women's organisation, you have no choice but to do what he's done. the wta's stance has been praised by others too. this is novak djokovic. i support fully wta's stands because we don't have enough information about peng shuai. and her wellbeing and her health is of the utmost importance of the tennis community. regardless of the fact that it's her, it can be anybody both male and female player. something like this could happen. this meanwhile was the reaction from the chinese government's foreign ministry in beijing. translation: we've already elaborated our position. - we are always firmly opposed to acts that politicise sports. the international olympic committee reached peng shuai for their first video call back in november, releasing this footage of the conversation. afterwards the ioc said they found her "safe and well". that came in for criticism in some quarters. nikki dryden, a human rights lawyer and former olympic swimmer for canada accused the ioc of taking part in a "publicity stunt" for beijing. we also had various videos released by chinese state media showing peng shuai eating out at a restauarant and at a children's tennis event. but doubts have continued over whether she's ok. the ioc says their second video call with peng shuai took place on wednesday. here's robin brant in beijing. fresh news of peng's existence, frankly, will be welcomed, of course, but beyond that, no details have been provided by the ioc about exactly when this second video conference call took place. what was said, no transcript, no stills, no footage. so we'lljust have to take their word for it. they are clearly trying to emphasise their role as an intermediary here between the tennis player and between the chinese state. but that, of course, comes just weeks before the committee is due to co—host the winter olympic games in beijing. and it is important to say that it is the ioc and only the ioc at the moment that seems to manage to have got permission to contact peng in this way. the wta may be wining more praise but by remaining involved with china — it's the ioc that has the access. cindy yu is from the spectator magazine. they are the only people have managed to speak to her twice in the last month. so in some ways they have actually been more effective in ensuring that she say because they have actually managed to talk to her through not taking to heart light in ——line a position it is difficult to know when it comes to china whether the outside pressure will force some kind of change or it willjust make them dig in deeper. we try to figure it out right now, what is the best way to make china change course and any of its policy areas? and all sorts of other areas such as hong kong. it's always tough to know what actually changes the chinese communist party is behaviour. because we got to these two different options and they both don't seem to be producing that much result. at least the women's tennis association can say that in good conscience they can't co—operate with china. stay with me here an outside source. in a few minutes we can take an in—depth look at abortion and how it divides america as the supreme court considers its position on the issue. the latest coronavirus cases say they were 55,000 new coronavirus cases reported in last 20 borrower. for the past 25 died within it covid—19 test with vaccinations is 90,000,000 people have now had their boosterjabs. there is much more information of course about the situation with covid—19 in the uk via the bbc news website which you can get/ news without the particular focus with the pandemic at the moment both in the uk and in many countries around the world is the armour can't variant which was first identified in south africa and is driving a huge spike in infections there. but we also know that it's been identified in over 20 countries including india and the us for the president biden is spoken about the omicron environment and act variant saying this is something to be focused on but not necessarily something to panic a bout with it meanwhile we also heard from president biden today talking about the strategy he's going to be adopting to try and guide americans through the pandemic this winter, winter being a greater concern than the summer in this pandemic wasn't what was interesting was the emphasis once again that he put on getting everyone around the world vaccinated. that will be music to the heirs of the who which is been warning against vaccine nationalism, warning against vaccine nationalism, warning against vaccine nationalism, warning against richer countries in the world taking the lion's share of the world taking the lion's share of the vaccine thus leaving some countries under vaccinated and increasing the chance of new variants are merging. something some africans scientists are arguing which is happening with omicron either way, which is happening with omicron eitherway, on which is happening with omicron either way, on that issue of sharing vaccine we know there's been a gap between the rhetoric of western countries and what is actually happening. of course people will be watching what president biden is saying and thinking ok, let's see if america followed through by donating further vaccine doses so that we shall see. of course is more on that issue by the news website. we are here in the bbc news room. as ceremony is being held in berlin for regular berko stepping out of ciesla after 16 years with him every week and even delete that we make our in—depth report. for those watching in—depth report. for those watching in the uk for iplayer two. this time it's about abortion. an issue that divides people across america. in 1973 the us supreme court made a ruling known as roe versus wade. it gave women in america new abortion rights. that same court looks to take some of those rights away. it’s take some of those rights away. it's re take some of those rights away. it�*s pretty monumental because this is the first time in a generation that there is a direct challenge to the constitutional right to an abortion. there have been challenges on other things, restrictions on abortions but this is directly saying that the right should be overturned. than but this is directly saying that the right should be overturned. an issue that what looks _ right should be overturned. an issue that what looks to _ right should be overturned. an issue that what looks to add _ right should be overturned. an issue that what looks to add union - right should be overturned. an issue that what looks to add union settles| that what looks to add union settles as far from it. that what looks to add union settles as farfrom it. the reasons for that reach from the put that politics of right now all the way back to the �*705 right now all the way back to the �*70s and �*80s. the most immediate reason is one recent state law. it was passed in mississippi which is a southern conservative state. the larger has yet to be enacted but it bans abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. as lawmakers in mississippi well know, roe versus wade gives women the right to an abortion up to what's called the stage of foetal viability which comes around 24 weeks. this is a constitutional right for them in the mississippi case is a deliberate and direct challenge to that. it's a challenge that's out being considered in washington at the us supreme court. and both sides of the argument acknowledged the importance of this moment. we argument acknowledged the importance of this moment-— of this moment. we are very excited. we think it's — of this moment. we are very excited. we think it's a _ of this moment. we are very excited. we think it's a great _ of this moment. we are very excited. we think it's a great case, _ of this moment. we are very excited. we think it's a great case, the - we think it's a great case, the great law. and we look forward to seeing with the court does. we are very concerned _ seeing with the court does. we are very concerned that _ seeing with the court does. we are very concerned that anything - seeing with the court does. we are very concerned that anything short| very concerned that anything short of a can— very concerned that anything short of a can wait repudiation of what happened — of a can wait repudiation of what happened in mississippi with legislation is good to be really damaging for access to reproductive health_ damaging for access to reproductive health and _ damaging for access to reproductive health and reproductive freedom in this country. the health and reproductive freedom in this country-— this country. the mississippi law in reachina this country. the mississippi law in reaching the _ this country. the mississippi law in reaching the supreme _ this country. the mississippi law in reaching the supreme court - this country. the mississippi law in reaching the supreme court is - this country. the mississippi law in reaching the supreme court is one| reaching the supreme court is one part of why america has reaches moment. next we need to take a step back because the timing of this law is not by chance. his backers know the supreme court has changed with are the current nine supreme court justices. three of them were appointed by donald trump when he was president. because of them the court leans decisively towards conservative justices. the court leans decisively towards conservativejustices. the politics around the court are much more pronounced than they were in 1973. indeed some argued roe versus wade help start that politcised asian. whatever the reason, the politics of the appointments are now undeniable. still the justices themselves strongly reject any suggestion they are political actors was up but as a supreme court began its considerations this week, one of the liberaljustices considerations this week, one of the liberal justices warned considerations this week, one of the liberaljustices warned that this could be the perception. not all people smell the stench. but it's beyond dispute that the system of presidential appointments have become profoundly political. after donald trumps choices the supreme court is more conservative. some us states see that as a chance. this is elizabeth nash from the good mark in it opposes and shows how us states have enacted a abortions in 2021 for the in a single year since roe versus wade. these states are escalating their efforts. to be clear, most of those restrictions haven't come into effect. they've been challenged or shut down. but that in some ways was the intention, there designed to provoke a challenge which may then go to the supreme court. and that's what's happened with mississippi as well as his, a number of states are also poised to act still further. this campaigner explains. not half of the us looks like there's. the states marked in red are either certain or unlikely to ban abortion if the supreme court allows them to. so the shift in the make—up of the supreme court prompted states to ask which now prompts the courts to make a new ruling. and mike pence was vice president in the trump administration is clear on what he wants to happen next. we administration is clear on what he wants to happen next.— administration is clear on what he wants to happen next. we are asking the court in — wants to happen next. we are asking the court in no _ wants to happen next. we are asking the court in no uncertain _ wants to happen next. we are asking the court in no uncertain terms - the court in no uncertain terms to make history. we are asking the supreme court of the united states to overturn roe versus wade and restore the sanctity of life to the centre of american law.- centre of american law. trump sureme centre of american law. trump supreme court _ centre of american law. trump supreme court appointments i centre of american law. trump i supreme court appointments are certainly a majorfactor supreme court appointments are certainly a major factor for them and there's no doubt he received support from ideological delete that evangelical christians are just as elcon. but conservative supreme court is not the full story. go back to 1973 in the court lean conservative bent as well. as npr tells us... the supreme court's make—up today matters but it doesn't alone explain why this is happening because away from the court abortion has become a much more divisive and explicitly political issue that it used to be. one new york columnist put it this way... a poll conducted this year 70% of democrats are pro— abortion rights, 74% of republicans are anti— abortion rights. the issue has become politically polarised. there is no single cause for that but both parties have fallen firmly behind their positions. high—profile democrats who are anti— abortion rights are much rarer and there is the increasingly close alignment of christian organisations and the republican party. resisting political liberals and resisting abortion rights have become intertwined. you frequently hear their language of christianity on abortion. for example, this is the texas governor in may as he signed a bill outlawing abortion at six weeks of pregnancy. fiur bill outlawing abortion at six weeks of pregnancy-— of pregnancy. our creator in doubt as with the — of pregnancy. our creator in doubt as with the right _ of pregnancy. our creator in doubt as with the right to _ of pregnancy. our creator in doubt as with the right to life. _ of pregnancy. our creator in doubt as with the right to life. and - of pregnancy. our creator in doubt as with the right to life. and yet i as with the right to life. and yet millions of children lose their right to life every year because of abortion. {iii right to life every year because of abortion. .., , right to life every year because of abortion. _, , ., , right to life every year because of abortion. , ., y~ , abortion. of course many americans does see it — abortion. of course many americans does see it this _ abortion. of course many americans does see it this way. but _ abortion. of course many americans does see it this way. but all - abortion. of course many americans does see it this way. but all of - does see it this way. but all of these factors help explain why this is happening now. and now it is happening there are reasons why this particular case is so significant. the first is that the supreme court appears minded to act. the the first is that the supreme court appears minded to act.— appears minded to act. the court could have _ appears minded to act. the court could have taken _ appears minded to act. the court could have taken less _ appears minded to act. the court could have taken less explosive i could have taken less explosive cases, _ could have taken less explosive cases, instead it took this one. and probably— cases, instead it took this one. and probably with the intent of upholding is law and never again is roe versus — upholding is law and never again is roe versus wade site there's a right to choose _ roe versus wade site there's a right to choose abortion which is around the 24 _ to choose abortion which is around the 24 week or acted mississippi law takes _ the 24 week or acted mississippi law takes effect. the 24 week or acted mississippi law takes effect-— takes effect. comments by brett cavanau:h takes effect. comments by brett cavanaugh have _ takes effect. comments by brett cavanaugh have backed - takes effect. comments by brett cavanaugh have backed up - takes effect. comments by brettj cavanaugh have backed up those takes effect. comments by brett - cavanaugh have backed up those who think the court will act. the constitutions _ think the court will act. the constitutions need - think the court will act. tue: constitutions need their think the court will act. tte: constitutions need their pro—life... some change looks very likely. that could pave the way for states to be able to choose their own approach to abortions look up that would mean american women have a different rights according to where they live. there is concern that the rights of an abortion with for some women to take dangerous risks. t am an abortion with for some women to take dangerous risks.— take dangerous risks. i am very frightened _ take dangerous risks. i am very frightened about... _ take dangerous risks. i am very frightened about... i _ take dangerous risks. i am very frightened about... i do - take dangerous risks. i am veryj frightened about... i do believe that many of us will go back to coat hangers and back alleys. women will find ways to terminate pregnancies. this issue of access to abortion as a global help matter it says... face with the criticism that these new laws risk women satiate their supporters offered reassurances like this. th supporters offered reassurances like this. ., , supporters offered reassurances like this. , ., . this. in texas we protect innocent human life _ this. in texas we protect innocent human life and _ this. in texas we protect innocent human life and for _ this. in texas we protect innocent human life and for years - this. in texas we protect innocent human life and for years now, - this. in texas we protect innocent i human life and for years now, we've been coming alongside the mothers providing more funding, more help for expectant mothers was that we don't just for expectant mothers was that we don'tjust forget for expectant mothers was that we don't just forget about them after the child comes along. we want to support those mothers while we protect the innocent human life is “p protect the innocent human life is up here and with so many aspects of this issue we see two very different views of what is for a woman to decide and what is for the law to decide. �* ,., . decide and what is for the law to decide. �* ., , ., , decide. and both are uncompromising. from his law — decide. and both are uncompromising. from his law professor... _ decide. and both are uncompromising. from his law professor... there - decide. and both are uncompromising. from his law professor... there is - from his law professor... there is no from his law professor. .. there is no scientific— from his law professor... there is no scientific disagreement - from his law professor... there is no scientific disagreement that i from his law professor... there is no scientific disagreement that a i no scientific disagreement that a woman_ no scientific disagreement that a woman is— no scientific disagreement that a woman is carrying a live human being in her_ woman is carrying a live human being in her womb — woman is carrying a live human being in herwomb. and woman is carrying a live human being in her womb. and state should be allowed _ in her womb. and state should be allowed to— in her womb. and state should be allowed to prevent the killing of human — allowed to prevent the killing of human beings was up to this protester in texas.— human beings was up to this protester in texas. they are asking to repeal--- — as we consider why america's rhesus moment and why it matters so much also, let's consider this, also, let's considerthis, pulling early this year found that overall 59% of all us adults say abortion should be legal in all or most cases. while 39% say it should be illegal. this is the same pole in 1995. despite the political polarisation there remains a solid majority in favour of a portion rights. thejudicial and political rights. the judicial and political power don't rights. thejudicial and political power don't always match majority. in 2016 haven't won fewer votes and hillary clinton and 46% overall donald trump became president of america. and when he was required to he selected three supreme court justices a political triumph in him and for the christian right. the consequences of that election and those appointments now look likely to deliver a combination of a 50 year campaign to abortion rights. you can find more reports for me and the team elsewhere on the bbc. my name on iplayer — in the news category. you can listen to audio versions each week on the bbc sounds app — and on your smart speaker. our videos are on the bbc news website, as well. just before we wrap up the sale we should return to berlin, a being aired the hell they are to mark angela merkel stepping down as chancellor of germany after 16 years. the outgoing chancellor gets to choose three musical pieces was up to choose three musical pieces was up two of anglo myrtles were reasonably traditional and ham and a popular song put up she also chose a song by nina harkin called you forgot the colour fell. it's very popular in the former east germany where a chance i spent most of her youth. let's listen to the military band taking it on. music it's the first time we've finished outside source with the military band playing punk rock track. why not? that ends this addition of the programme. bye—bye. on the plus side there's been lots of wintry sunshine that all thanks to a hot ridge of high pressure. tomorrow different sorry for the a lot more cloud around but without some slightly less cold or even mild air pushing ends put up this ridge of high pressure as what brought us a lot of the fine weather today. this frontal system already pushing into northern ireland and scotland will bring thicker cloud and outbreaks of rain. but there is a wedge of mild or airdropped into it. that will be slowly working its way eastward through tonight. a wet start to the night across northern and western areas. eventually that rain will push southward and eastward, bit of a clearing here with bits of blustery shower. we will continues to see some snow and the leading edges as a palms into the leading edges as a palms into the edges. as temperatures ride to all areas by the end of night then that sleepy, snow witness will revert back to rain for the it will be a milderfeeling day revert back to rain for the it will be a milder feeling day tomorrow for the particularfor be a milder feeling day tomorrow for the particular for england and wales was a good start with double figures across a set that bar southwest of the a little less cold for scotland northern ireland for the it will be more cloud around, earlier rain clears leaves a legacy of cloud. probably the best of his sunshine and scotland and here blustery showers rattling their way into western areas with a new weather system pushing into the bar southwest will bring better weather to southwest england and wales with notice of temperatures is out, 11, 12, 13 without that rain pushes is words of the southern britain for friday night for the plenty of showers packed into northern and western areas through the night as well and they will be turning increasingly wintry. that sets the scene for the weekend. as can be turning colder again and we will see quite a few shows around put up there will be some such. this area of sun to enact low pressure will be pushing to the north of the uk and parking itself across the news tonight nor see for the fairly brisk old north wesley winters saturday for the they'll be pushing plenty of blustery showers to northern westerly showers initially and then the weather front for the southeast will enhance the showers for the they could become a bit more widespread into the afternoon for the subject in between but it's going to be a cold day. it's cold frosty start for many on sunday for the will be more sunshine around generally, certainly through the morning a few coastal showers, most of these across north sea coast. the showers may tend to work and went through the day. it's going to be another cold day. this is bbc news. the headlines: germany and the united states announced new managed days to tackle covid—19 as the uk kate white is more than 100 million extra doses of it the next two years. as the prime minister has his booster, he tries to clear up confusion about christmas parties, saying they should go ahead. it's really nice to feel a sense or normality, its a struggle working from home constantly by yourself. why am wearing a mask in a taxi, then coming to a party with hundreds of people and are not wearing a mask, that's why people are confused it's not making any sense. the death of six—year—old arthur labinyo—hughes who was starved and tortured — his stepmother is found guilty of his murder, his father of manslaughter. the army is called on to help, in the wake of storm arwen — nearly 20 thousand people still have no electricity in scotland and northern england.