diseases says the omicron variant of coronavirus could become the uk's dominant strain within weeks. the education secretary says work to protect vulnerable children will start immediately after six—year—old arthur labinjo—hughes was tortured and killed by his father and his father's partner. no government anywhere in the world can legislate for evil. _ | but we will take action whereveri we can to stop it from happening again because we must do more. as 1300 homes in the north east of england are still without power ten days after storm arwen. a barrister for the victims of the grenfell tower fire tells the public inquiry into the disaster that government's lack of openness should be regarded as "one of the major scandals of our time". good afternoon, and welcome to bbc news. two former police officers who took pictures of two murdered sisters in a london park, then shared them on whatsapp groups, have each been jailed for nearly three years. pcs deninaffer and jamie lewis had been assigned to guard the scene where the bodies of nicole smallman and bibaa henry were discovered in wembley. they'd previously admitted misconduct in a public office. in the last few minutes, the mother of the two murdered women, mina smallman, has been reacting outside court. thrilled reacting outside court. actually. we thought that they thrilled actually. we thought that they would be given a suspended sentence. you know, and i had it all prepared. i was going to say that all of us have been in lockdown for the past 18 months, two years, what's different? but i think the judge really got it. and i think also the groundswell of the public feeling about this story and breach of conduct, so i'm pleased. you know? �* , , '! ~ of conduct, so i'm pleased. you know? 2, [k ., of conduct, so i'm pleased. you know? [k ., ., , ., know? it's been 18 hard months for ou. how know? it's been 18 hard months for yom how have _ know? it's been 18 hard months for you. how have you _ know? it's been 18 hard months for you. how have you coped _ know? it's been 18 hard months for you. how have you coped and - know? it's been 18 hard months for you. how have you coped and what| you. how have you coped and what does this in its today do in terms of moving on? it does this in its today do in terms of moving on?— does this in its today do in terms of moving on? it does not... it is not a day — of moving on? it does not... it is not a day for _ of moving on? it does not... it is not a day for celebration. - of moving on? it does not... it is not a day for celebration. it - of moving on? it does not... it is| not a day for celebration. it never is. but this will be the first time that we have not had to stay on the starting blocks to come to the old bailey. i hope i never have to come back here again for any other reason. nothing at all. so, myself, my husband, my family, we've been to hell and back again, so i've... we have not even dared to dream what it's going to feel like not having this hanging over your head. i5 this hanging over your head. is this the final chapter? _ this hanging over your head. is this the final chapter? no, _ this hanging over your head. is this the final chapter? no, no, - this hanging over your head. is this the final chapter? no, no, no. - the final chapter? no, no, no. there's--- _ the final chapter? no, no, no. there's. .. there's _ the final chapter? no, no, no. there's. .. there's more - the final chapter? no, no, no. there's. .. there's more workl the final chapter? no, no, no. i there's. .. there's more work to the final chapter? no, no, no. - there's. .. there's more work to be there's... there's more work to be done. the most important thing is, i think, because of the sentencing, we are part of the change that's going to come in the culture of the police force. and i will say it again, most of our police force are amazing and do amazing jobs. but there is an element that has taken over the culture of how they banter. i mean, you will have her what the whatsapp group name is, and i don't know how you are going to put that in the press and i cannot say it here, but hope you will do, covid—19 and the bleat bleat beliefs, because it does matter the language that they used. in—state example of misogyny. and in its worst possible form. so it does matter. these police force, as i said, felt so secure in the way they behaved that they could do that as their subject. awful. our correspondent helena wilkinson is there outside the old bailey. thejudge the judge rejected thejudge rejected on appealfor the officers to be spared custody and talked about their appalling and inexplicable conduct. yes. talked about their appalling and inexplicable conduct. yes, judge martin lou _ inexplicable conduct. yes, judge martin lou croft _ inexplicable conduct. yes, judge martin lou croft was _ inexplicable conduct. yes, judge martin lou croft was the - inexplicable conduct. yes, judge i martin lou croft was the sentencing judge _ martin lou croft was the sentencing judge here — martin lou croft was the sentencing judge here at the old bailey. these were two— judge here at the old bailey. these were two metropolitan police officers — were two metropolitan police officers whose job on that not was to guard _ officers whose job on that not was to guard the crime scene where the sisters— to guard the crime scene where the sisters bodies were found. and they disobeved _ sisters bodies were found. and they disobeyed instructions. they left the cordons, they went up closer to the cordons, they went up closer to the sister's — the cordons, they went up closer to the sister's bodies and took photographs of them and then as we have heard, they then share those photographs with friends and colleagues. one of the photographs, he superimposed his face in a selfie sivie. _ he superimposed his face in a selfie style. the _ he superimposed his face in a selfie style, the court heard him onto one of those _ style, the court heard him onto one of those and — style, the court heard him onto one of those and they also sent derogatory messages to friends referring — derogatory messages to friends referring to the two sisters as two dead _ referring to the two sisters as two dead birds — referring to the two sisters as two dead birds. the judge today and it's missing _ dead birds. the judge today and it's missing remarks, he said that the pair, _ missing remarks, he said that the pair. their— missing remarks, he said that the pair, their conduct was appalling and inequitable and he said the two officers _ and inequitable and he said the two officers had not only violated the privacy _ officers had not only violated the privacy of — officers had not only violated the privacy of the women, but they had also undermined the trust and faith in police _ also undermined the trust and faith in police officers that the public should — in police officers that the public should be able to have at times like this. should be able to have at times like this and _ should be able to have at times like this and he — should be able to have at times like this. and he also went on to say that they— this. and he also went on to say that they had wholly disregarded the sister's _ that they had wholly disregarded the sister's privacy for some cheap thriti. — sister's privacy for some cheap thriti. a — sister's privacy for some cheap thrill, a cake or some form of bragging _ thrill, a cake or some form of bragging rights by taking images and then passing them to others. now, then passing them to others. now, the two _ then passing them to others. now, the two former officers, they were serving _ the two former officers, they were serving metropolitan police officers at the _ serving metropolitan police officers at the time they committed the offences — at the time they committed the offences. they walked into the old bailey _ offences. they walked into the old bailey here this morning. they are not working — bailey here this morning. they are not working out because as we've heard, _ not working out because as we've heard, the — not working out because as we've heard, the judge asked sentence them to immediate custody, and he sentenced them to two years and nine months _ sentenced them to two years and nine months each. he has told them that they are _ months each. he has told them that they are going to serve half of that sentence _ they are going to serve half of that sentence in custody and half of that on license — sentence in custody and half of that on license. some the two officers sentenced — on license. some the two officers sentenced here at the old bailey to two veers _ sentenced here at the old bailey to two years and nine months each prison— two years and nine months each prison sentence, and as we have heard _ prison sentence, and as we have heard from — prison sentence, and as we have heard from the sister's mother, mina, _ heard from the sister's mother, mina. who _ heard from the sister's mother, mina, who spoke outside court for the family. — mina, who spoke outside court for the family, it's been unimaginable for them _ the family, it's been unimaginable for them having to come back here to court _ for them having to come back here to court to— for them having to come back here to court to hear— for them having to come back here to court to hear more details about what _ court to hear more details about what exactly the conduct of what is on the _ what exactly the conduct of what is on the officers did in terms of the photographs they took and the messages and photographs that they shared _ messages and photographs that they shared with friends and colleagues. thank— shared with friends and colleagues. thank you _ shared with friends and colleagues. thank you very much indeed. the government is promising to crack down on drugs gangs as part of a ten—year strategy for tackling drug misuse in england and wales. ministers say they want to dismantle "county lines" drugs gangs. they're also promising the biggest ever single investment in treating and rehabilitating addicts who are responsible for a large proportion of crime. according to the home office, drugs are connected to nearly half of killings in england and wales. they're also linked to two thirds of shoplifting, more than half of burglaries and just over a quarter of robberies. our home affairs correspondent dominic casciani has this report, and a warning that his report contains flash photography. police! an early morning raid, part of operation toxic, merseyside police's ongoing investigation into county lines gangs. organised crime groups that control the drugs trade. prime minister borisjohnson seeing for himself the challenge the police face. some 300,000 heroin and crack addicts are responsible for nearly half of crimes like burglary and robbery. the prime minister promising his new strategy will change that. you've got to do two things at once. you've got to be tougher on the county lines gangs, you've got to be tougher on the criminals who are doing it, but you've also got to make sure that you find those 300,000 people and you help them away. you can't simply arrest them time after time and put them back in prison again and again. you've got to do rehab as well. the government's ten—year strategy promises £300 million to pursue drugs gangs. it believes it can take down 2000 county lines in three years. police will get help for more drug tests on arrest, identifying problem users earlier than before. but the strategy also looks at demand. recreational users such as some clubbers will face losing their passports and driving licences if caught. labour says the strategy is desperately needed. there's no doubt that the drug problem has got a lot worse in the past ten years, particularly issues like drug—related deaths and the county lines which are destroying lives. but the question for the government is not just about plans today, but the money they've taken out the system. millions of pounds have been taken out of the system over the years, and that's caused a lot of the problems. ministers are promising record investment for schemes such as this rehab programme targeting why some people take drugs. the former independent reviewer of drugs today urged the government not to put all the focus on chasing users, but to help them change their lives. of course it's important, - and we do want county lines to disappear, but unless you give equal balance to treatment - and recovery, we're really not going to move forward. - we've had enforcement for many years. - and we haven't really solved our problem. i couriers working for gangs are known to smuggle drugs on trains, so sniffer dogs are now on the front line, but with drugs deaths at a record high, people say that the prime minister must back his words with with a strategy that will deliver quicker results and bring about permanent change. dominic casciani, bbc news. the omicron variant of coronavirus could become the uk's dominant strain within weeks, according to an expert in infectious diseases. professor paul hunter has told the bbc it's likely omicron is spreading more quickly than the delta variant and that there are probably more than 1000 cases in the uk at the moment. his comments come as one of the scientists who created the oxford/astrazeneca covid vaccine has warned that a future pandemic could be even more deadly than this one. professor dame sarah gilbert says funding is needed to make sure we don't lose the advances made in the last two years in how to prepare for a pandemic. our health correspondent sophie hutchinson has this report. the leader of the opposition this morning doing his bit to boost boosterjabs, seen as the best way to protect people from both the delta and the new variant of omicron. everybody should be getting it. i would encourage absolutely everyone who's eligible to come forward and have their booster. don't be taken in by the information. come forward, have your booster, think of yourself, think of others, think of your communities. last month, we observed surges in cases... one of the lead scientists behind the oxford/astrazeneca vaccine warned of the dangers of future pandemics and said the world needed to be more prepared. the truth is the next one could be worse. it could be more contagious or more lethal or both. we cannot allow a situation where we have gone through all we have gone through, and then find that the enormous economic losses we have sustained mean that there is still no funding for pandemic preparedness. the world health organization has said just under a0 countries around the world now have cases of the new variant. here in the uk, a further 86 cases were reported yesterday by the uk health security agency, bringing the total number identified to 246. but some scientists believe the true figure may be more than 1000. the early signs are that it - will probably spread quite quickly and probably start outcompeting delta and become the dominantl variant probably within the next i weeks, or a month or so, at least. scientists are still unable to confirm whether omicron causes less severe disease. that may not be known for many weeks. i don't think that we need to change the overall guidance and advice we're giving about omicron in this country. we're still waiting to see exactly how dangerous it is, what sort of effect it has in terms of deaths and hospitalisations. from today, anyone aged over 12 who's permitted to travel into the uk is now required to show a negative pcr or lateral flow test in an attempt to slow the new variant�*s spread from abroad. sophie hutchinson, bbc news. the latest uk government coronavirus data has been published. it shows there were 51,169 new cases in the latest 24—hour period and another 41 deaths have been recorded. that's people who died within 28 days of a positive covid—19 test. more than 20.8 million people have now received their boosterjab. the headlines on bbc news — two met officers who took photos of two murdered sisters and shared the images on whatsapp groups have beenjailed for two years and nine months each. a ten—year strategy for dealing with drug abuse in england and wales — the prime minister says he wants to come down hard on drugs gangs, but spend more on treatment for addicts. a leading expert in infectious diseases says the omicron variant of coronavirus could becme the uk's dominant strain within weeks. in the past hour, the education secretary, nadhim zahawi, has been giving more details to mps about the national review into the death of six—year—old arthur labinjo—hughes. arthur was killed by his father and stepmother after social workers found "no safeguarding concerns". they were both jailed last week. mr zahawi told the commons he was determined to get to the truth and find out "what went wrong" to ensure other children would be protected. he also made a plea to the general public. as the court heard, arthur's tragic death is a result of the cruelty of his father and his father's partner. no government anywhere in the world can legislate for evil. but we will take action wherever we can to stop it from happening again because we must do more. and to do more, i'd like to end my statement with a plea to everyone in our country. anyone who sees or suspects child abuse can report their concerns to local children's services or by contacting the government—supported nspcc helpline for adults and practitioners concerned about a child or young person. so, if you see or suspect child abuse, report it. if you are worried about a child you know, report it. if something appears off or you are seeing something that troubles you, report it. as we uncover what went wrong, mr speaker, and what led to arthur's tragic death, we must also strengthen our resolve to make sure that we prevent these crimes as much as they can be possibly prevented. we must make sure that those who would do wicked acts to children face justice. we must do absolutely everything in our power to protect vulnerable young children from harrowing and evil abuse. let's speak now to harry ferguson, who's professor of social work at the university of birmingham. and it's interesting because you have been doing research on the impact of a lockdown on social workers and their ability or inability to discover cases like arthur's. . �* , inability to discover cases like arthur's. ., �* , �* , inability to discover cases like arthur's. . �* , �* , , arthur's. that's right. it's very strikin: arthur's. that's right. it's very striking that _ arthur's. that's right. it's very striking that arthur _ arthur's. that's right. it's very striking that arthur went - arthur's. that's right. it's very striking that arthur went to i arthur's. that's right. it's very l striking that arthur went to live with his — striking that arthur went to live with his stepmother along with his father— with his stepmother along with his fatherjust at the start of the first— fatherjust at the start of the first lockdown and that he died just around _ first lockdown and that he died just around the — first lockdown and that he died just around the end of the first lockdown. so what we have found in our research — lockdown. so what we have found in our research is that social workers had to _ our research is that social workers had to comply with social distancing and key— had to comply with social distancing and key ways in which they did that. they were _ and key ways in which they did that. they were told by national and local government to avoid going into homes as much— government to avoid going into homes as much as _ government to avoid going into homes as much as possible forced fear of spreading — as much as possible forced fear of spreading the virus, so they would do the _ spreading the virus, so they would do the doorstep visits was that they would _ do the doorstep visits was that they would go _ do the doorstep visits was that they would go as far as the doorstep or see families in a guard or they would — see families in a guard or they would see _ see families in a guard or they would see them online through video calling _ would see them online through video calling. but in situations where there _ calling. but in situations where there was— calling. but in situations where there was a serious risk to children. _ there was a serious risk to children, social workers did go into the family— children, social workers did go into the family homes. find children, social workers did go into the family homes.— children, social workers did go into the family homes. and we were 'ust tearin: the family homes. and we were 'ust tearing there — the family homes. and we were 'ust tearing there from i the family homes. and we were 'ust tearing there from the i the family homes. and we were 'ust tearing there from the materialh the family homes. and we were just tearing there from the material for. tearing there from the material for education that more needs to be done and things need to change so there is not another case for that but there have been 70 cases like arthur's in the past. and that was not in a time of lockdown or a time of covid—19 restrictions. so what are the issues do you think with social workers and sometimes their inability to spot the harm that is being done to children?- being done to children? well, there's a couple _ being done to children? well, there's a couple of— being done to children? well, there's a couple of things - being done to children? well, j there's a couple of things that being done to children? well, there's a couple of things that need to be _ there's a couple of things that need to be borne — there's a couple of things that need to be borne in mind here. first of all, to be borne in mind here. first of all. i_ to be borne in mind here. first of all. ithink— to be borne in mind here. first of all, i think probably the key ingredient that social workers need if they— ingredient that social workers need if they are — ingredient that social workers need if they are going to really find out what's _ if they are going to really find out what's happening for children is time _ time. they need to be able to enter the child's— time. they need to be able to enter the child's world, to get down on the child's world, to get down on the floor. — the child's world, to get down on the floor, play with a child, get along _ the floor, play with a child, get along so— the floor, play with a child, get along so the child, whatever it takes — along so the child, whatever it takes to— along so the child, whatever it takes to really communicate with that child — takes to really communicate with that child and find out what's happening in this home, what's the relationship like with the parents and so _ relationship like with the parents and so on — relationship like with the parents and so on and so forth. but there are a _ and so on and so forth. but there are a number of things that minimise the time— are a number of things that minimise the time that social workers have. there's— the time that social workers have. there's a — the time that social workers have. there's a big bureaucratic demand also to— there's a big bureaucratic demand also to workers to fit in case records. _ also to workers to fit in case records, extensive case records and so on _ records, extensive case records and so on there — records, extensive case records and so on. there is high caseloads, there _ so on. there is high caseloads, there is— so on. there is high caseloads, there is quality of organisational support— there is quality of organisational support and supervision for the workers — support and supervision for the workers. it's an absolutely crucial. an absolute — workers. it's an absolutely crucial. an absolute key variable here is that in— an absolute key variable here is that in the — an absolute key variable here is that in the sort of situations like appear— that in the sort of situations like appear to — that in the sort of situations like appear to of been the case and arthur's— appear to of been the case and arthur's family, the parents are often _ arthur's family, the parents are often very— arthur's family, the parents are often very reluctant to have social workers _ often very reluctant to have social workers involved. so there is often a lot of— workers involved. so there is often a lot of tension, sometimes social workers _ a lot of tension, sometimes social workers are — a lot of tension, sometimes social workers are physically threatened, intimidated. and it's made clear to them _ intimidated. and it's made clear to them that— intimidated. and it's made clear to them that they are not welcome in them that they are not welcome in the home — them that they are not welcome in the home. in a key thing that they have _ the home. in a key thing that they have to _ the home. in a key thing that they have to achieve is to see children on their— have to achieve is to see children on their own. and again that was made _ on their own. and again that was made more — on their own. and again that was made more difficult in the pandemic because _ made more difficult in the pandemic because a _ made more difficult in the pandemic because a key place for children are often _ because a key place for children are often see _ because a key place for children are often see on their own is in schools and parents — often see on their own is in schools and parents like arthur's did not send _ and parents like arthur's did not send their— and parents like arthur's did not send their children to school. so there _ send their children to school. so there were — send their children to school. so there were all those kinds of factors— there were all those kinds of factors mitigating against probably what sort of occurred in this case. of course — what sort of occurred in this case. of course is — what sort of occurred in this case. of course is a desperately difficult job to be a social worker in that sort of situation, but some — sir michael wilcher was saying that one of the issues potentially can be that often social workers are young, inexperienced and may be just out of training. they are going in households with quite many lidded parents, as we had in this case. and perhaps they need more supervision, perhaps they need more supervision, perhaps we should not be sending such young social workers always into very difficult homes. but how do you legislate for that? more resources in the end, i suppose. well, i think social work has improved _ well, i think social work has improved over the years in terms of the quality— improved over the years in terms of the quality and it supported tries to give _ the quality and it supported tries to give to — the quality and it supported tries to give to staff. unfortunately it's a very— to give to staff. unfortunately it's a very stressful profession. you've -ot a very stressful profession. you've got to— a very stressful profession. you've got to take — a very stressful profession. you've got to take into account the fact that. _ got to take into account the fact that. you — got to take into account the fact that, you know, looking at some level— that, you know, looking at some level at— that, you know, looking at some level at the consequences of 11 years— level at the consequences of 11 years of— level at the consequences of 11 years of austerity and the cuts, so the workforce has become diminished at a time _ the workforce has become diminished at a time when demand has gone up. so, at a time when demand has gone up. so. yes— at a time when demand has gone up. so. yes the _ at a time when demand has gone up. so, yes the there are a lot of young social— so, yes the there are a lot of young social workers, so, yes the there are a lot of young socialworkers, have so, yes the there are a lot of young social workers, have a heavily female — social workers, have a heavily female workforce, so really good quality _ female workforce, so really good quality support is crucial. and that is so _ quality support is crucial. and that is so much — quality support is crucial. and that is so much about resourcing. and when _ is so much about resourcing. and when i _ is so much about resourcing. and when i hear— is so much about resourcing. and when i hear the is so much about resourcing. and when i hearthe minister is so much about resourcing. and when i hear the minister talk about and that— when i hear the minister talk about and that prime minister talk about no stone _ and that prime minister talk about no stone will be not overturned in order— no stone will be not overturned in order to _ no stone will be not overturned in order to find out what happened to this poor— order to find out what happened to this poor child, arthur, you know, government. _ this poor child, arthur, you know, government, politicians need to take responsibility for the fact that they— responsibility for the fact that they have systematically neglected children's services by cutting back on the _ children's services by cutting back on the kinds of services that can help— on the kinds of services that can help vulnerable families and they have not— help vulnerable families and they have not provided the resources that can make _ have not provided the resources that can make social work easier. more doable. _ can make social work easier. more doable, more achievable. interesting to net our doable, more achievable. interesting to get your thoughts _ doable, more achievable. interesting to get your thoughts and _ doable, more achievable. interesting to get your thoughts and thank - doable, more achievable. interesting to get your thoughts and thank you i to get your thoughts and thank you so much for your time. harry ferguson a professor of social work at the university of birmingham, thank you. around 1600 properties in the north east of england are still without power ten days after storm arwen. yellow weather warnings for wind and snow have been issued ahead of storm barra, which is due to hit the uk tomorrow. the energy provider for the north east of england says it hopes to reconnect every home before the storm hits. in the last hour, the business minister, greg hands, said it was completely unacceptable that some homes were still without power. mr speaker, we have removed the compensation limit to allow customers affected to claim up to £140 per day if they are without power. and i'm glad to say, mr speaker, that 99.8% of those affected by the storm have had their power supply restored so far. but, mr speaker, this isn't good enough. it is completely unacceptable that around 1600 were still in this position as of this morning. but the situation is improving each hour. the remaining areas affected are in the north east of england, predominantly the wear valley surrounding eastgate, where i was, mr speaker, on wednesday. i have been assured by the network operators that all efforts are focused on having power restored to those households in the next day. we will get more on that next storm to hit from darren with the latest weather forecast just after 1230 pete — 5:30 p:m.. a number of spar stores in the north of england have closed due to an online attack affecting its food distribution company james hall & co. the firm supplies around 600 shops. the preston—based firm is the primary wholesaler to spars across the north of england. its website is also down. a barrister representing the victims of the grenfell tower fire has told the official inquiry that government's concealed the extent of risks to building safety and it should be seen as one of the "major scandals of our time". 72 people died injune 2017 when the tower block in west london caught fire. our home affairs correspondent tom symonds reports. there had been warnings of what might happen. a fire in knowsley on merseyside. another in irvine, north ayrshire. and a third in southwark, south london. eerily similar — flames spreading up the outside, lives put at risk, lives lost. but did the government and other public bodies spot the risk? take action? that and much more is what the grenfell inquiry will investigate in its finalfive months. this inquiry is not a game of cat and mouse where core participants might hope that their witnesses will smuggle something past counsel the inquiry or counsel to the inquiry might miss a trick. core participants including the government and other industry bodies. a key question — why a fire classification known as class zero remained in place for decades. cladding panels rated class zero were allowed on tall buildings, but class zero included materials which catch light easily. so, after grenfell, all the cladding had to be removed. the grenfell disaster is a predictable yet unintended consequence of the combination of the laudable desire to reduce carbon emissions coupled with an unbridled passion for deregulation. in particular, a desire to deregulate and boost the housing construction industry. cladding helps keep buildings warm, cutting carbon emissions, and all recent governments have wanted to help home—builders build homes. but deregulating the safety of their industry created risks, the inquiry was told today, and the government kept them quiet, it was claimed. the result is a prolonged period of concealment by government, which should properly be regarded as one of the major scandals of our time. ministers and officials will give evidence in weeks to come, the final stage of the search for answers to the question, how could this happen? tom symonds, bbc news. michael mansfield represents some of the victims of the grenfell tower fire and has this afternoon told the inquiry that the political mindset around building standards needs to change. nothing that you've heard so far, nor that you will hear in this part of module six, was an accident, was an oversight, was somehow something theyjust missed or even a level of incompetence. no, far, far worse. and we say it's looking at a mindset, a political mindset, which actually doesn't remain at the level at which it's broadcast, and i'll come back to it a little later. it doesn't remain at that level. it percolates through to every level because it infuses in each of the citizens of the country as well as those obviously at levels at which they're managing property, overseeing property, constructing property, refurbishing property. if at the back of their minds, almost as an unconscious layer within their thinking, is, "that's all right, we don't need to bother about fire safety," i'll be specific, "because we have," if you like, "a licence from those who govern that actually we've got to in a sense do away with it" because, well, the burning of the bonfires, however you want to describe it, that is the licence, that's the permission, that's the collusion that creates an entirely different environment. the one in which all those worse than misdemeanours, the catalogue you've heard this morning, are committed. because those in government either consciously do it or unconsciously do it because they think that they are going to be, as it were, excused by their mentors and their governors. and this is an attitude which we say has to be banished. now it's time for a look at the weather with matt taylor. hello. weather conditions are to deteriorate as we go through tomorrow but tonight fairly quiet. showers continue and some winter in places but to start tuesday it will be a sunny start but very cold and frosty. scotland, england and east wales especially. but down southwest the first signs of barra are in the average sea coasts and could cause travel and disruption with rain and snow on the hills and part of ireland and wales. brightens up later but in the gaels in the rain and hills the transfer of their way north and eastwards across the rest of england. let's go straight to the house of commons with the health of a tear in the latest on coronavirus. throughout this national effort, i have always been grateful to how this houses work together. across the floor in a constructive manner and i look forward to continuing. with permission, i like to make a statement by the pandemic. the omicron variant is continuing to spread here and around the world. according to the latest data, there are no 261 confirmed cases in england. 71 in scotland and four and wales. bringing the total number of confirmed cases across the uk to 336. this includes cases with no links to international travel. so, we can conclude that there is no community transmission across multiple regions of england. beyond our shores, multiple regions of england. beyond ourshores, confirmed multiple regions of england. beyond our shores, confirmed omicron cases have not been reported in 52 countries. with 11 countries that include romania, mexico and chile recording the cases this weekend. this is a global battle and we are playing the leading role. i spoke with the director general of the world health organization to share our findings so world health organization to share ourfindings so farand world health organization to share our findings so far and discuss how we can work together to tackle this common threat. we are learning more about this new variant all the time. recent analysis from the ut health security agency suggests that the window between infections and infectiousness may be shorter for the omicron variant than the delta variant. but we do not yet have a complete picture of whether or not the omicron variant has more severe disease or indeed how it interacts with the vaccines. so we cannot say for certain at this point whether the omicron has the potential to knock us off our road to recovery. madam deputy speaker, we are leaving nothing to chance. our strategy is to buy ourselves time to strengthen our defences. while the world leading scientists assess this new variant what it means for our fight against covid—19, today, i would like to update the house and some of the latest measures that we are taking. first, we are taking balanced and proportionate measures of the border to slow the incursion of the border to slow the incursion of the border to slow the incursion of the new variant from abroad. he is seen with previous variants of strong defences of the border, combined with the capacity be built for sequencing, combined with the capacity be built forsequencing, gives combined with the capacity be built for sequencing, gives the best possible chance of identifying and responding to new variants. this includes our travel read list, which allows us to react quickly to targeted measures for the data shows cause for concern. for the uk, it shows that at least 21 omicron cases in england alone are linked to travel from nigeria and is a strong indication that omicron is present there. nigeria is also with strong travel links to south africa and is a popular travelling destination from johannesburg. based on this evidence, we have made the decision to add nigeria to travel redness in and this came into force of 4am this morning. this means that whoever, anyone who is not a uk or irish citizen or a uk resident who has beenin citizen or a uk resident who has been in nigeria for the past ten days, will be refused entry. those who are. they must isolate and a government approved facility for ten days for they will take two pcr tests. we know there's been a spike in demand for these facilities to to the rapid expansion of the red list and some people have experienced issues returning home. however, we are wrapping up this capacity as quickly as possible. we already have several new hotels on board in the past few days and we expect to double the number of rooms that are available this week. madam deputy speaker. when this new variant is appearing in more and more countries of the day, we also need to look beyond the red list and strengthen our measures for a wider range of travels to make sure that they give us the protection we need against this potential threat. uk they may have a shorter window between infections and infectiousness being that this testing could have a greater role to play in identifying positive cases before travel. as a result of this new data, and the greater spread of this across the globe from 4am tomorrow, anyone travelling to the uk from countries that are not on the rent list must also show proof of a negative pcr or lateral flow tests. this applies to any vaccination travellers, but they are vaccinated were unvaccinated, anyone aged 12 and above. they should take tests as soon as possible, to when they depart, but no earlier than 48 hours before. i know that these measures, of course they will bring disruption and they will impact peoples plans to spend times their loved ones, especially over this festive period but this early action is needed now so we don't have to take tougher action later on we can take every opportunity to prevent more cases from arriving in our country. i like to reinforce the honourable members that these are temporary measures. while we improve our understanding of this new variant. we be reviewing these measures along with other temporary measures that we have a real answer the house next week. whatever we put in place, it curves on peoples freedoms and we must make sure that we are absolutely necessary and i will assure the house that we will not keep these measures and for a day longer than we have to. second, madam deputy speaker, as well as acting to slow the incursion of the variant from abroad, we are also strengthening our vital defences here at home. late last week, with the brilliant news that another new treatment has been approved by the mhr eight after having reduced hospitalisation and death in high—risk adults with symptomatic covid—19 x 70 9%. another defences vaccination programme. on saturday, reported almost 450,000 boosterjobs in a single day and yesterday, we announced we had the significant milestone of 20,000,003rd doses across the united kingdom. in the last week, the uk booster programme has reached more people than the aduu has reached more people than the adult population of greater manchester we are expanding this programme even further as part of our target of offering all adults in england a covid—19 boosterjab by the end of january. england a covid—19 boosterjab by the end ofjanuary. to put this planned action, we are recruited to those who were vaccinated in about 350 military personnel to england to support the vaccine booster programme and is already over a hundred personnel employed in scott in supporting their vaccination efforts. we will have over 1500 pharmacy sites putting jabs into arms and new hospital hubs and vaccination centres. we are bolstering our booster programmes we can protect as many people as possible, strengthening our collective defences as this virus goes on the advance this winter. madam deputy speaker, one of the most dangerous aspects of covid—19 is how quickly we can adapt. on the virus adapts, we must adapt to. we cannot say for certain that omicron, what it means for a response, but we can say that we are doing everything in our power to strengthen our national defences. so, will be as prepared as possible for whatever this virus springs and i commend the statement to the house.— statement to the house. thank you, madam statement to the house. thank you, i madam deputy speaker and can i think the secretary of state but for his time, warm words of welcome and talk about how much i am the can forward to our exchanges. last week i pay tribute to my right honourable friend, the memberfrom the tribute to my right honourable friend, the member from the stress of the night is so again loved honourable friend, for nottingham north you did a magnificentjob in the shadow health team in my right arm from took a constructive approach the government response to the pandemic and i intend to continue in the same vein. covid—19 still with us and with new variance presenting significant challenges the lives and livelihoods and livelihoods and our liberties, the goal must be to ensure that we can live with the virus through effective vaccines, treatments and common sense public health measures. in that spirit can i welcome the secretary of state announcement made today and for everyone who is eligible to come forward to get the boosterjab is my right honourable friend did just this morning. vaccination remains the greatest tool we have in ourfight against the pandemic. in order to achieve the pandemic. in order to achieve the overall target, they need to reach 500,000 booster vaccines a day. labour called on the government to set the target and i believe they have a nice supportive. we want the booster campaign to be successful. so can secretary of state update us on when he expects that the target of half—million boosterjabs a day. and can ask when boosters be rolled out to under 40s and probably declare my interest in this matter, as i do. on the wider vaccine roll—out, members across the house would've been frustrated and concerned with reports this weekend that too many hospital beds and resources are having to be diverted to those who have chosen not to receive the vaccine. with the pressures on the nhs this winter expected to reach unprecedented levels, even before the emergence of omicron, what is the secretary of state plan for the one in five people who are eligible, but not yet fully vaccinated to get the jab. the arguments in favour of receiving the vaccine are overwhelmingly strong. it is a safe and effective tool in a defence. what research does the secretary of state taken to the reasons for vaccine hesitancy and what steps of the put in place to put effective reassurance measures in place to encourage take up, particularly among groups that are less likely to take up the vaccination and are disproportionately suffering with the virus. and kenny up to a thousand reasons for the slow progress in vaccinating 12 to 15—year—olds was make the initial target of 12 to 15—year—olds by the half term is been missed with current trends suggesting they won't receive the vaccine until the 13th of february, what is the plan to speed this up? madam deputy speaker, want everyone to enjoy christmas this year and the government needs to bring forth the common—sense measures that will limit the spread of the new variant while having a minimum impact on our lives, jobs and businesses, especially in the christmas, pre—christmas trading period. i was pleased to see the secretary of state of the home secretary except labours call for the reintroduction of tests for those travelling to the uk, but given the likelihood of new variance, will the government now introduced as a standard response to new variance overseas, introducing stronger border controls, testing and contact tracing so the government is not again accused of locking the door after the horses bolted. in the secretary of state explain why predeparture tests are not shorter and kenny act with the codes and government to address the racket of soaring testing costs and poor provisions of hotel quarantined accommodation? madam deputy speaker, sage recommended for ventilation and it is not due to publish its full report until october next year. meanwhile, primary school in paisley was shut down for a week following a suspected omicron outbreak. in the past two weeks, the amount of people missing school was increase by 62% begin impact on the parents of the stay at home with their children. education has been stripped enough, will they now roll the ventilation support needed to protect our schools? madam deputy speaker we have some the lowest levels of sick pay in europe. workers in low—paying and secure employment can contract covid—19 and still putting the impossible position of going to work and feeding theirfamily impossible position of going to work and feeding their family on one hand and feeding their family on one hand and staying home protecting our public health on the other. can i ask the secretary of state, the government will look at the government will look at the government as increasing and expanding sick pay was? and finally, i'm sorry to have to end on this note, i'm sure the separatists they will agree with me that the effectiveness of the governments response to the pandemic and public compliance with the rules will depend on public confidence in those setting the rules. residents are this week being prosecuted for holding an indoor gathering of two or more people on the 18th of december 2020 and rightly so. isn't it time for the government to come clean about the events in downing street on that same day and admit they broke the rules and apologise or does the secretary believed as the prime minister appears to but it's one rule for them and another rule for everyone else was what first of all, madam deputy speaker i think the honorable german for his support for these measures that i talked of my statement nine please that the opposition got the booster jab today as thousands of many other people. cows to also thank him for his support for the booster programme, the importance of vaccines, the call that he made for more and more people to come forward. the booster programme is steaming ahead at the blistering pace with 20 million people boosted last week. there are 3.6 million people that are booked in to get there boosters and it's on the highest numbers that we have seen for boosters and i'm confident that we are on track to meet our commitments for adults across the uk and the boosterjab and we are already far ahead from many other countries in europe when we achieve that by the end of january, we must certainly will be. in terms of vaccination, more generally those people who haven't even had taken up their offer of a first vaccine jab, their offer of a first vaccine jab, the honorable gentleman points out the honorable gentleman points out the importance of that and the honorable gentleman points out the importance of tha— the honorable gentleman points out the importance of that and there are so many across _ the importance of that and there are so many across that _ the importance of that and there are so many across that of _ the importance of that and there are so many across that of you - the importance of that and there are so many across that of you to - the importance of that and there are so many across that of you to take i so many across that of you to take the jab and the general vaccination rate across the population of over 80% having at least one job over the age is of the highest in europe, but we do need to do even more work to get to that 12%, that missing 12% and is a huge amount of work and that especially with communications and misleading information on vaccinations and also in proving this. we have seen in the last week, because of the concerns run the omicron variant, more and more people coming forward for vaccination for the first time. and thatis vaccination for the first time. and that is to be welcomed and will continue to build on that. the honourable gentleman asked me about responses to any potential variance. i think it is reasonable to think that there will be future variance will reserve judgment until we come across such issues and in any case, there always be a response based on what we know at that time and i don't think it makes sense to set up that response in advance. the honourable gentleman talked about testing costs, the pcr test, lateral tests, we have removed and rightly so, over a hundred providers for this and 20 removed this weekend for offering and showing misleading prices will continue to take a tougher and a hard line because no one should be misled on these in the pricing and availability should be absolutely clear. the honourable gentleman tundra ventilations in schools my red honourable friend gave further information on that and he did that last week on six pay and we kept in place the excess of six pay rather than what was there before the pandemic. and they should apply to everyone regardless of the art — sick. to sum up the main points that he was saying, there are 336 cases of the omicron variant across the uk in 2061 in england, 71 in scotland, fourin 2061 in england, 71 in scotland, four in wells. including cases without any link to travel. so, there is community transmission as it is called of the omicron variant. also saying that the gap between being infected with omicron and being infected with omicron and being infectious may be shorter with omicron than it is the delta variant and so that is a cause of some concern and omicron has also been detected in 52 countries now crossed the road. that is the latest there from the health secretary. now, we have been hearing that thousands of people are still without heating and hot water over ten days after storm or wind and yellow weather warnings for wind, or wind and yellow weather warnings forwind, rain or wind and yellow weather warnings for wind, rain and snow have been issued across the country add of another storm, and that is due to hit tomorrow. who better to talk about this than our weather presenter was with me up with the very latest in people, just trying to get over that first storm and now, the storm is on the way. it would be as bad? it now, the storm is on the way. it would be as bad?— would be as bad? it is different because it _ would be as bad? it is different because it is — would be as bad? it is different because it is going _ would be as bad? it is different because it is going to bring - would be as bad? it is different because it is going to bring the | because it is going to bring the worst of the weather to different areas and mainly because it's actually coming in from a different location. this is the deepening low—pressure steeping in and it's going to hit southern ireland forced a vault and they named the storm. that is what the impact is likely to be greatest. and this was the uk is concerned, it is tomorrow in particular that the wind will start to pick up in the strongest winds are going to be through the eye receipt coastal areas and through the english channel. we could see with go through 80 miles an hour. with a yellow area there there's a large part of the uk that is likely to have wind gusts of 40 or 50 miles an hour. it's worth pointing out that these yellow warnings from the met office. so these are the lowest levels of warning. they might wrap up levels of warning. they might wrap up as we head into tomorrow's going to the storm. i5 up as we head into tomorrow's going to the storm-— to the storm. is not 'ust one high wind, is m h to the storm. is not 'ust one high wind, is it? no, _ to the storm. is not 'ust one high wind, is it? no, it_ to the storm. is notjust one high wind, is it? no, it is a _ to the storm. is notjust one high wind, is it? no, it is a dual- wind, is it? no, it is a dualthreat reall . wind, is it? no, it is a dualthreat reallv- not— wind, is it? no, it is a dualthreat really. notjust _ wind, is it? no, it is a dualthreat really. notjust rain _ wind, is it? no, it is a dualthreat really. notjust rain but _ wind, is it? no, it is a dualthreat really. notjust rain but snow - wind, is it? no, it is a dualthreat really. notjust rain but snow and j really. notjust rain but snow and snow could have an impact as well. this will be expecting snow amounts to be by the end of tomorrow. the peak district, the penn nines, the company in areas could be under few bits of snow but southern uplands and into the highlands could be ten to 20 cm of snow by the end of the day. and that will be blizzards and drifting because those winds are strengthening as well stop by some people unbelievably without powers with ten days after the storm, and the east of england. share with ten days after the storm, and the east of england. are they likely to have a double _ the east of england. are they likely to have a double whammy - the east of england. are they likely to have a double whammy to - the east of england. are they likely to have a double whammy to be - the east of england. are they likely to have a double whammy to be hitj the east of england. are they likely i to have a double whammy to be hit by the second storm as well?— the second storm as well? there will be a daughter— the second storm as well? there will be a daughter that _ the second storm as well? there will be a daughter that comes _ the second storm as well? there will be a daughter that comes through i be a daughter that comes through later in the day but the winds will be at the strongest probably and we are missing the worst of the weather. stilson impacts with the wind in the rain but they're more likely to be gusting to 40 to 50 mph. likely to be gusting to 40 to 50 mh. ., ., ,, likely to be gusting to 40 to 50 mh. ., likely to be gusting to 40 to 50 mph. not making it easier for those t in: to mph. not making it easier for those trying to repair _ mph. not making it easier for those trying to repair the _ mph. not making it easier for those trying to repair the power _ mph. not making it easier for those trying to repair the power lines - mph. not making it easier for those trying to repair the power lines but| trying to repair the power lines but thank you very much. japan is one of the world's biggest users of coal. it's still building coal—fired power stations against the rising tide of concern about climate change. as the country has no reserves of its own, vast quantities of coal have to be imported. and yet, the tokyo government is promising to reach net carbon zero by 2050. it appears to see hydrogen as one of the key ways of achieving that — but how will they produce the hydrogen? rupert wingfield hayes has been finding out. takao saiki and his fellow activists are furious. the reason, this giant new coal—fired power station being built in their hometown. i'm totally against the burning fossil fuels because i'm so worried about the future of young generations. so how is japan going to cut its co2 emissions to zero when these plants are expected to run for the next 40 years, at least? the answer is hydrogen. japan wants to be the first country in the world run on hydrogen, and it's starting with cars. all around the world, big car companies are now talking about the future being battery electric vehicles. toyota, so far, has not produced any battery electric vehicles. instead it is building this, the mirai, and this is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. it's a very different technology. so why does toyota think that hydrogen is the future instead of batteries? translation: we believe we need more choice than just _ battery electric vehicles. and therefore, fuel cell technology which uses hydrogen is also very important in order to achieve our goal of zero emissions. the only waste the mirai produces is water. but where does the hydrogen to fill its tank come from? last month, this ship leftjapan and sailed to australia. it's the first ship in the world that can transport liquefied hydrogen. but that hydrogen is being made from coal. 100 kilometres north of tokyo, huge mountains of coal shipped here mainly from australia. at the moment, japan imports close to 200 million tonnes of coal a year. japan knows it can't carry on doing this, so instead it is going to convert the coal to either hydrogen or ammonia, in far—away australia, and then ship those here. it's what the industry calls blue hydrogen and blue ammonia. the conversion process still creates lots and lots of carbon dioxide. but that co2 will not count as japanese emissions. instead, in theory, the co2 will be buried in the ground in australia. japan is promoting its hydrogen society as a zero—carbon alternative to pure renewables. but producing blue hydrogen will mean digging up coal for decades to come. rupert wingfield—hayes, bbc news, in tokyo. every household in wales is to be offered a free tree in an effort to tackle climate change. the welsh government scheme will give people the option of planting the tree in their garden or having it added to a woodland on their behalf. our wales correspondent hywel griffiths has the details. from these young seedlings, one day, entire forests may grow. the welsh government says it wants to see 86 million trees planted across wales by the end of the decade to capture carbon and combat climate change. that's why next year it will offer over1 million native trees for free — either to be added to a woodland like this, or for people to plant themselves at home. but at the cost of £2 million to the taxpayer, how likely is it that they'll survive and thrive? trees are tough, actually. you've got to treat them pretty badly to kill a tree. you know, just a bit of tender loving care and it will be fine. bit of space and plenty of water. to reach 86 million, many, many more will need to be planted. a national forest stretching across wales is planned. a similar scheme is happening in the midlands. but planting to capture carbon is the subject of scientific debate. it depends on the type of tree and its location. stopping deforestation is, for some, a bigger priority, as well as cutting emissions. whether wales's big tree giveaway can have a meaningful impact won't be clear for at least a generation. but ministers say it's a worthwhile investment in the nation's future. sophie raworth is coming up with the bbc news at 6. but now it's time for a look at the weather with matt a little. some areas continue to recover from the storm, the next storm barra is a difference storm is coming off the atlantic, different areas to be infected and probably the southwest of ireland. there will still be impacts across the uk and two tuesday and wednesday, the winds will be strongest or on the eye receipt coastal, 70, 80 mph. at the gales likely on tuesday into the english channel and into wednesday, the northeast of scotland will see the northeast of scotland will see the winds continued to strengthen. but snow could have an impact on those areas hit by this and the higher ground of northern england and scotland, strong winds bring blizzard conditions later on tuesday. and this area of cloud here, and the club the bread the heavy rain across the country earlier today clearing into what was left and a history of clear spells and showers to take us into the evening. and northern and western areas can be of the winter side and this evening as you can see, temperatures could be a cold evening and a cold night and store and showers continuing with many favoured but clear skies with the risk of spots as temperatures drop to freezing or below it and it will be a very cold start to tuesday morning. the first signs of storm barra across ireland as we head into the morning. the main message for tuesday and into wednesday is the widespread gales with the strongest winds to the west implicit slitter across northern areas though the weather warnings and the bbc weather website. rain turning briefly across northern ireland but the winds really strengthen across these western areas through the day with bright sunny start for scotland and england but that rain spreads its way in strengthening winds and across hills and southern scotland readily turning to snow. it is a cold day for the most part, given the strength of those winds. the stronger ones northern and eastwards, the rush hour in parts of scotland could be a problem with the snow and snow become combined and wednesday morning, area of low pressure with the wind turning later for some into wednesday but around the peripheries, we still see some widespread gales, stronger wind for shetland, the rest of us will have sunshine and heavy showers. goodbye for now. at six: tackling illegal drug use in england and wales — the government unveils its long—term stategy. joining officers on a raid on merseyside, the prime minister vows to come down hard on drug dealers as well as recreational users. the drugs gangs are doing major damage to life chances of kids growing up in this country. i think it's a disgusting trade. the government has announced what it says is the largest ever investment in drug treatment. also on the programme: the omicron variant of covid spreads in britain — more than 330 cases now. the health secretary says it's not yet clear if it'll knock us off the road to recovery. the "tragic and horrific" death of six—year—old arthur labinjo—hughes — the education secretary says an investigation will begin immediately to find out what went wrong.