restrictions last christmas? we've asked to speak to government ministers but no one is available. contact me on twitter @vicderbyshire or email me on victoria@bbc.co.uk. exactly one year after 90—year—old maggie keenan received the world's first approved coronavirus vaccine, the booster programme opens to over 40s in england. we are live in coventry, back where it all started. maggie keenan has been telling us how grateful she is to be the first person to get that first jab. and coming up this hour, i'll be speaking to the first afghan woman to practise as a barrister in england and wales, after coming to the uk as a refugee when she was five — good morning. borisjohnson is under renewed pressure to admit a christmas party was held in downing street last year, after video emerged which showed senior staff laughing and joking about it. the video of officials holding a rehearsal of a press briefing last december was obtained by itv news. labour said it was shameful. number ten maintains there was no party and no rules were broken. scotland yard are reviewing the video in relation to alleged breaches of coronavirus restrictions. at the time of the downing street party, tier three restrictions meant people were encouraged to work from home, people in offices had to socially distance, and the law banned gatherings of two or more people indoors unless it was "reasonably necessary" for work. the party took place on the 18th december last year when london was in tier three. the day after, london and parts of the south east were placed into tougher tier four restrictions and millions had their christmas plans cancelled. the footage obtained by itv news is reportedly from the 22nd december — four days after the party. our political correspondent helen catt reports. the christmas tree is up outside number 10, the lights are on. but it's what happened last festive season that is still raising questions. claims that a party was held inside, which an attendee told the bbc involved food, drink and a several dozen people. it happened, they said, on friday, december the 18th. four days later, the then press secretary to the prime minister had a practice press briefing, with aides pretending to be journalists. there was a downing street christmas party on friday night. do you recognise those reports? i went home. itv news got hold of this video of it, with the aides joking about a party. is cheese and wine all right? this is recorded. this fictional party was a business meeting. and it was not socially distanced. on that day there were severe restrictions in place on social mixing. on the day of the alleged party, 514 deaths of people with covid were reported. one of those who died that day was jackie's mother beryl. i think it's totally reprehensible, actually. when i first saw it, i had no words, to be honest, and it took a little while to actually sink in as to what i was watching. and i think this is actually indicative of a bigger problem within the government, that they think they are above the rules and they can do exactly what they like. the political backlash has started too. last year at christmas the public followed the rules and many of them didn't see their loved ones over christmas _ some of them didn't see their loved ones again. they had the right to expect the government to follow the rules. we now know the government broke the rules, they partied, and now they're laughing about it. they're treating the public with contempt. the prime minister has been repeatedly asked about the party over the last week. all guidance was followed completely during number 10. we followed the guidance throughout and continue to follow the guidance. what i can tell you is that all the guidelines were observed. but expect him to be asked a lot more. some of his own mps want answers. we need to get ahead of this story today. the government needs to show that it takes it seriously. it's understandable the government wants to focus on this coming christmas, not the last one, given the worrying development of this omicron variant. and for those who might have claimed this was just an obsession of the westminster bubble, ant and dec had an answer. and this fictional party definitely didn't involve cheese and wine, or a secret santa. evening, prime minister! the department for education has admitted it held a gathering earlier in december last year. a spokeswoman said it was to thank staff for their efforts during the pandemic. and that while it was work—related, looking back they accept it would have been better not to have gathered in this way at that particular time. as for downing street, it insists there was no christmas party at number 10. and covid rules had been followed at all times. borisjohnson can expect to be asked for a lot more answers at prime minister's questions later. the bbc has asked anyone from the government for an interview. at this stage, no ministers have made themselves available. sir roger gale is the conservative mp for north thanet in kent. thank you very much for agreeing to talk to us. what did you feel when you saw that video?— you saw that video? incredulity. i think that i _ you saw that video? incredulity. i think that i and. .. _ you saw that video? incredulity. i think that i and... the _ you saw that video? incredulity. i think that i and... the story - think that i and... the story broke at about six o'clock and there were at about six o'clock and there were a lot of people in the tea room waiting for a vote last night, and i think there were some hollow mirth and complete bewilderment that this had happened. whether this is the start of the whole room, the whole story, whether this was in fact a fake press conference, or whether there was a party, we do not know yet. even though we do not know. you trailed it as a party... sorry, my phone is ringing. you said it was a party, helen catt said an alleged party. i think the premise has to come to the dispatch box today and either stand by the downing street line which was that there was no party and say there was no party on the record, and if he says that i will believe him, because of course to mislead the house of commons would be a very serious offence indeed, or he has to say he had been blindsided by his team, he was misinformed, there was a party and he apologises. h0??? misinformed, there was a party and he apologises-_ he apologises. how will he be able to say there _ he apologises. how will he be able to say there was _ he apologises. how will he be able to say there was no _ he apologises. how will he be able to say there was no event, - he apologises. how will he be able to say there was no event, party, l to say there was no event, party, gathering, do, whatever we are going to call it, because by all accounts there was a gathering, multiple sources have told the bbc, the daily mirror, the guardian, a party to take place. we are told that secret santa was involved, which suggest that it was planned. how would the prime minister be able to stand up in the house of commons this lunchtime and continue to see, as his spokesman has, there was no party question what i his spokesman has, there was no party question wha— party question what i hope by lunchtime. — party question what i hope by lunchtime, by _ party question what i hope by lunchtime, by prime - party question what i hope by| lunchtime, by prime ministers questions, the prime minister will be able to offer all the answers. because this is serious. the omicron pandemic is ongoing, the government may have to take more stringent measures between now and christmas. if we are going to have to do that, if it is clinically necessary to do that, then we have to take people with us. we will only take people with us. we will only take people with us. we will only take people with us if they feel they are being told the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. so it is very important indeed. we need people to be vaccinated, we need people to go on being vaccinated, we need people to have their blisters. these are the messages we have got to get out. and the entire house of commons needs to send out that message from both sides of the house. i'm sorry my phone keeps ringing. do both sides of the house. i'm sorry my phone keeps ringing.- my phone keeps ringing. do not wor . i my phone keeps ringing. do not worry- iwill— my phone keeps ringing. do not worry. i willjust _ my phone keeps ringing. do not worry. i willjust have _ my phone keeps ringing. do not worry. i willjust have to - my phone keeps ringing. do not worry. i willjust have to ignore | worry. i will 'ust have to ignore it. this is — worry. i willjust have to ignore it. this is distracting _ worry. i willjust have to ignore it. this is distracting from - worry. i willjust have to ignore it. this is distracting from the i it. this is distracting from the real importance, the real message. do you think this might end up being about semantics? what one people because a christmas party, somebody else in number 10 might calljust a few drinks after they finish work with a glass of wine, and so they were in a work bubble?— were in a work bubble? helen catt, who is a reporter— were in a work bubble? helen catt, who is a reporter i _ were in a work bubble? helen catt, who is a reporter i know _ were in a work bubble? helen catt, who is a reporter i know very - were in a work bubble? helen catt, who is a reporter i know very well, | who is a reporter i know very well, with bbc radio kent and bbc south—east before she became the bbc�*s political correspondent, told me last night that she had it on good authority that food had been brought in, drink had been brought in, entertainment had been brought in, entertainment had been brought in, and that sounds to me like a party. if that was a party, it was wrong and it shouldn't have happened. underthose wrong and it shouldn't have happened. under those circumstances, under lockdown. then we are facing another barnard castle moment, aren't we? d0 another barnard castle moment, aren't we?— aren't we? do you think it is as serious as _ aren't we? do you think it is as serious as that? _ aren't we? do you think it is as serious as that? when - aren't we? do you think it is as serious as that? when the - aren't we? do you think it is as i serious as that? when the prime minister's top eight allegedly broke the rules by driving from london to durham when covid restriction suggested that people should not do that. you'll macro potentially i think it is more serious because dominic cummings who think it is more serious because dominic cummings— think it is more serious because dominic cumming think it is more serious because dominic cummin: ., , ~ ., ., dominic cummings who is known to act unilaterally and — dominic cummings who is known to act unilaterally and of— dominic cummings who is known to act unilaterally and of his _ dominic cummings who is known to act unilaterally and of his own _ dominic cummings who is known to act unilaterally and of his own bat. - unilaterally and of his own bat. what he did was wildly irresponsible, i said so at the time. but this is an event that took place when it shouldn't have been taking place, apparently. we do not know but apparently in downing street. the prime minister ought to know what is going on in downing street. let know what is going on in downing street. . r' know what is going on in downing street. ., , ., ., ., street. let me ask you again, if the rime street. let me ask you again, if the prime minister— street. let me ask you again, if the prime minister does _ street. let me ask you again, if the prime minister does say _ street. let me ask you again, if the prime minister does say at - street. let me ask you again, if the l prime minister does say at lunchtime there was no christmas party, you will believe him? if there was no christmas party, you will believe him?— there was no christmas party, you will believe him? if he says that on the record at _ will believe him? if he says that on the record at the _ will believe him? if he says that on the record at the dispatch - will believe him? if he says that on the record at the dispatch box, - will believe him? if he says that on| the record at the dispatch box, yes, i will have to believe him. because to do otherwise would be discourteous and wrong of me. and if it is then found that he has misled parliament deliberately, that is a hanging offence.— parliament deliberately, that is a hanging offence. parliament deliberately, that is a hanuain offence. ,, , hanging offence. downing street, his spokesman. — hanging offence. downing street, his spokesman. has _ hanging offence. downing street, his spokesman, has already _ hanging offence. downing street, his spokesman, has already said - hanging offence. downing street, his spokesman, has already said there . spokesman, has already said there was no christmas party.— was no christmas party. downing street is seeing _ was no christmas party. downing street is seeing something - was no christmas party. downing street is seeing something and l was no christmas party. downing l street is seeing something and the prime minister saying something at the dispatch box are to different matters. i want to hear what the... we have to be fair and courteous about this. i want to hear what the prime minister says on the record at the dispatch box at lunchtime today, and i'm all for myjudgment after that. i started by saying, and i will repeat, this is my view, my opinion, i am will repeat, this is my view, my opinion, iam not will repeat, this is my view, my opinion, i am not speaking for anybody, i am opinion, i am not speaking for anybody, iam not opinion, i am not speaking for anybody, i am not speaking on behalf of the government, not even speaking for any of my colleagues, i do not know what my colleagues are thinking. they may believe i am profoundly wrong. i am seeing what i think. that is all i can do. find think. that is all i can do. and 'ust to think. that is all i can do. and just to confirm, _ think. that is all i can do. and just to confirm, if _ think. that is all i can do. and just to confirm, if the - think. that is all i can do. and just to confirm, if the prime minister did mislead the house of commons, you say that is a resigning issue. i commons, you say that is a resigning issue. ~' . ., ., ., issue. i think the chairman of the 1922 committee, _ issue. i think the chairman of the 1922 committee, sir— issue. i think the chairman of the 1922 committee, sir graham - issue. i think the chairman of the i 1922 committee, sir graham brady, would have to carry a very clear message to the prime minister under those circumstances.— those circumstances. meaning what? meanin: those circumstances. meaning what? meaning the — those circumstances. meaning what? meaning the game — those circumstances. meaning what? meaning the game is _ those circumstances. meaning what? meaning the game is up. _ those circumstances. meaning what? meaning the game is up. so, - those circumstances. meaning what? meaning the game is up. so, seniorl meaning the game is up. so, senior conservative _ meaning the game is up. so, senior conservative backbencher _ meaning the game is up. so, senior conservative backbencher would - meaning the game is up. so, senior conservative backbencher would go | meaning the game is up. so, senior l conservative backbencher would go to the prime minister and say we need a leadership contest?— leadership contest? well, the chairman of _ leadership contest? well, the chairman of the _ leadership contest? well, the chairman of the 1922 - leadership contest? well, the i chairman of the 1922 committee leadership contest? well, the - chairman of the 1922 committee is notjust senior backbencher, he is the representative of the conservative backbench. and i am quite certain that graham would do what he believed to be right at the time. but we have not got to that stage yet. so let's not talk in hypotheses. i want to wait and see what the prime minister says today, and i will exercise my ownjudgment. it will be myjudgment and nobody else's. when i have heard what the prime minister has to say.- prime minister has to say. there is anuer prime minister has to say. there is anger amongst _ prime minister has to say. there is anger amongst quite _ prime minister has to say. there is anger amongst quite a _ prime minister has to say. there is anger amongst quite a few - prime minister has to say. there is anger amongst quite a few people | prime minister has to say. there is - anger amongst quite a few people who lost relatives to covid around this time last year, around december 18, they were not allowed to be alongside them in hospital, they were not allowed to be alongside them in care homes. they cannot believe it. do you understand that? of course i understand that. this is about the probity of government. sir charles walker was absolutely right when he said on bbc this morning that we want to talk about this christmas, not last christmas, and about this christmas the government may have to take measures that require public support. we will not get that support, which will be vital, will be a matter of life and death again, we will not get that support if the public do not trust us. the public have to have trust in the people that are representing them. that is why this is so crucially important. i'm not interested in the synthetic anger or how do you know it is synthetic? the macro by tone of voice. i how do you know it is synthetic? the macro by tone of voice.— macro by tone of voice. i give him no credit for _ macro by tone of voice. i give him no credit for his _ macro by tone of voice. i give him no credit for his performance - macro by tone of voice. i give him no credit for his performance in i no credit for his performance in this at all. no credit for his performance in this at all-— no credit for his performance in this at all. ~ ., ., , ., ., , this at all. what do you mean his performance? — this at all. what do you mean his performance? i— this at all. what do you mean his performance? i think— this at all. what do you mean his performance? i think he - this at all. what do you mean his performance? i think he is - this at all. what do you mean his performance? i think he is doing | performance? i think he is doing what he has _ performance? i think he is doing what he has to _ performance? i think he is doing what he has to do _ performance? i think he is doing what he has to do is _ performance? i think he is doing what he has to do is leader - performance? i think he is doing what he has to do is leader of i performance? i think he is doing | what he has to do is leader of the opposition. i regard the tone and way that that message is coming across with a sizeable degree of disdain, actually. iwant across with a sizeable degree of disdain, actually. i want to hear from the prime minister. we disdain, actually. i want to hear from the prime minister.- disdain, actually. i want to hear from the prime minister. we all do. one final question _ from the prime minister. we all do. one final question to _ from the prime minister. we all do. one final question to you, - from the prime minister. we all do. one final question to you, if- from the prime minister. we all do. one final question to you, if i - from the prime minister. we all do. one final question to you, if i may. | one final question to you, if i may. there is a feeling amongst some voters, a perception amongst some voters, a perception amongst some voters that powerful people in the conservative government do not need to abide by the rules. do you agree with that? ~ , , ., with that? absolutely not. everybody. _ with that? absolutely not. everybody, everybody - with that? absolutely not. j everybody, everybody who with that? absolutely not. i everybody, everybody who is with that? absolutely not. _ everybody, everybody who is holding elected office has to abide by the rules that we have imposed upon other people. rules that we have imposed upon other people-— rules that we have imposed upon other people. there is a perception that those at _ other people. there is a perception that those at the _ other people. there is a perception that those at the top _ other people. there is a perception that those at the top do _ other people. there is a perception that those at the top do not. - other people. there is a perception that those at the top do not. that l that those at the top do not. that is a perception. _ that those at the top do not. that is a perception. perceptions - that those at the top do not. that is a perception. perceptions can l that those at the top do not. that. is a perception. perceptions can be damauain. is a perception. perceptions can be damaging- of _ is a perception. perceptions can be damaging. of course _ is a perception. perceptions can be damaging. of course perceptions l is a perception. perceptions can be l damaging. of course perceptions can be damaging. _ damaging. of course perceptions can be damaging. i— damaging. of course perceptions can be damaging, i accept _ damaging. of course perceptions can be damaging, i accept that _ damaging. of course perceptions can be damaging, i accept that entirely, | be damaging, i accept that entirely, but it is a perception. mostly the people at the top of my party, the people at the top of my party, the people to be fair, the people at the top of all parties to behave responsibly. why? because it is a courtesy to the public. what we are doing is not to protect ourselves, it should be to protect other people. you do not wear a mask to protect yourself, you protect... you put wear a mask to protect those around you, those you love and those who you are working with. that is the purpose of that. that is common courtesy. we all have to abide by those rules. courtesy. we all have to abide by those rules-— courtesy. we all have to abide by those rules. ., ,, , ., , . ., those rules. thank you very much for bein: with those rules. thank you very much for being with us — those rules. thank you very much for being with us this _ those rules. thank you very much for being with us this morning. - those rules. thank you very much for being with us this morning. sir- being with us this morning. sir roger gale, conservative mp. prime ministers questions will be live your on the bbc news channel at midday. let's cross live to downing street and speak to our chief political correspondent adam fleming. adam, how serious is this for the government?— adam, how serious is this for the government? well, we will find out at midday when _ government? well, we will find out at midday when it _ government? well, we will find out at midday when it is _ government? well, we will find out at midday when it is prime - government? well, we will find out| at midday when it is prime ministers questions. that will be a moment to take the temperature on the backbenches. people who are paid to monitor the conservative backbenches by the government think that sir roger gale is in the minority. both in terms of conservative mps who are willing to go on the record to directly criticise the prime minister for his handling directly criticise the prime ministerfor his handling of this and also any minority of mps who are really concerned about how this is playing out. but they will get another chance to see if that is the case at prime minister's questions. this is a big opportunity for keir starmer to punch a very painful bruise. does he do that effectively? david lammy, the shadow foreign secretary, was on bbc breakfast this morning and he set out what labour will be demanding of the government at lunchtime. pm will be demanding of the government at lunchtime-— at lunchtime. an apology. the facts. what actually _ at lunchtime. an apology. the facts. what actually happened. _ at lunchtime. an apology. the facts. what actually happened. getting - at lunchtime. an apology. the facts. | what actually happened. getting real and getting serious. recognising that this — and getting serious. recognising that this virus has cost lives. and those _ that this virus has cost lives. and those restrictions are important because — those restrictions are important because he leads on public health. getting _ because he leads on public health. getting serious about the office he holds _ getting serious about the office he holds and — getting serious about the office he holds and apologising to the british people _ and there is mounting evidence that this is notjust a westminster thing, this is a whole country thing. if you're watching i'm a celebrity on itv last night, if you know very well, victoria, and sundeck were joking about this issue for the second week in a row in front of millions of viewers who might not necessarily have been watching the news. on the other end of the spectrum, you have got the covid bereaved families campaign group issuing incredibly strongly worded statements on how they feel about all of this. also, just in practical terms, this is starting to get in the way of the government governing. we are expecting sajid javid, the health secretary, to be on the breakfast programmes this morning to mark the one—year anniversary of the first british person getting a covid jab, exactly one year ago. that was going to be an opportunity to encourage people to get their boosterjabs. sajid javid was nowhere to be seen. we were also pencilled in a prime ministerial press conference for this afternoon, with the prime minister would be saying the same sort of thing. well that press conference go ahead or will it be cancelled because all the questions will be about a supposed at downing street christmas party? something else that happened almost exactly one year ago. or maybe did not happen, because that is what downing street is saying. let's speak now to safiah ngah, who is a spokesperson for the covid—19 bereaved families forjustice group. her father zahari contracted coronavirus last december and died in february. safiah, thank you very much for talking to us. how are you feeling about all of this? i talking to us. how are you feeling about all of this?— talking to us. how are you feeling about all of this? i mean, watching that video last _ about all of this? i mean, watching that video last night _ about all of this? i mean, watching that video last night was... - about all of this? i mean, watching that video last night was... i - about all of this? i mean, watching that video last night was... i could| that video last night was... i could not believe what i was watching. it was absolutely bewildering and deeply unsettling. my dad cut covid over christmas, the numbers were really bad at that point. i believe over 500 people died on the day that that fake press conference was held. just to see the cynicism and complete disregard for the regulation, their own regulations, at a time when the country was locking down, you know, keeping safe to keep their loved ones safe, it is just appalling. the to keep their loved ones safe, it is just appalling-— just appalling. the prime minister sa s no just appalling. the prime minister says no covid _ just appalling. the prime minister says no covid rules _ just appalling. the prime minister says no covid rules were - just appalling. the prime minister says no covid rules were broken. | says no covid rules were broken. you ma sa says no covid rules were broken. you may say that. — says no covid rules were broken. gm, may say that, but it does not look that way, does it? i havejust seen another video this morning ofjacob rees mogg giving a speech at this alleged party. either way, we need a statement and we need it quickly. we need to understand what the facts are, what actually happened. does this help you _ are, what actually happened. does this help you in — are, what actually happened. does this help you in terms _ are, what actually happened. does this help you in terms of— are, what actually happened. does this help you in terms of your campaign for getting the public enquiry started or not?- enquiry started or not? well, i su ose enquiry started or not? well, i suppose it _ enquiry started or not? well, i suppose it is — enquiry started or not? well, i suppose it is ammunition - enquiry started or not? well, i i suppose it is ammunition anyway. unfortunately, you know, there have been a lot of mistakes made. i would much prefer that it was not that way. at those mistakes not be made, i would still have my dad around, he was in good health before he cut covid. but i suppose it is, it is ammunition. it proves that we really need an independent enquiry into what happened during the pandemic and the way it was handled. clearly we cannot necessarily trust the government rhetoric. you know, a lot of people weren't... i actually was able to be with my dad at the time that he died in february, but a lot of people do not have that privilege. they were locked down and they could not get to a hospital at they could not get to a hospital at the time that their loved ones died. yet there were celebrations happening in downing street. it really is just so shameful. what happening in downing street. it really isjust so shameful. really is 'ust so shameful. what you want really isjust so shameful. what you want from the _ really isjust so shameful. what you want from the prime _ really isjust so shameful. what you want from the prime minister - really isjust so shameful. what you want from the prime minister this i want from the prime minister this lunchtime? i want from the prime minister this lunchtime? ~ want from the prime minister this lunchtime?— lunchtime? i think the truth would be a really good — lunchtime? i think the truth would be a really good start. _ lunchtime? i think the truth would be a really good start. an - lunchtime? i think the truth would i be a really good start. an admission of what has happened to they have gone wrong. and looking forward, a real commitment to showing the public that they do want to help, that they do care about us. you know, the fact that people are still dying from covid. there's about 100 deaths a day. we really need to take this seriously. until they really show that in their actions and bring an enquiry forward, i am not sure whether we can believe them. you'll macro thank you very much for talking to us.— macro thank you very much for talking to us. going to talk to a coule of talking to us. going to talk to a couple of former _ talking to us. going to talk to a couple of former conservative i talking to us. going to talk to a - couple of former conservative mps. alistair burt is a former conservative mp — who worked with borisjohnson at the foreign office. what do you think? it is a mess. and it has a serious _ what do you think? it is a mess. and it has a serious mess. _ what do you think? it is a mess. and it has a serious mess. i _ what do you think? it is a mess. and it has a serious mess. i think - it has a serious mess. i think sometimes number 10 can see everything as a party political battle and can see a situation which they must defend at all costs, regardless of the impact on the rest of the country. this is not a party political issue, it is obviously extremely serious, it is affecting people up and down the country. they want to know what really happened. the revelation of yesterday's video does the process of good governance, which is vital any time of difficulty, no good at all. when you hear the prime _ difficulty, no good at all. when you hear the prime ministers _ difficulty, no good at all. when you hear the prime ministers say - difficulty, no good at all. when you hear the prime ministers say on - difficulty, no good at all. when you i hear the prime ministers say on more than one occasion no covid rules were broken, and you hear the number 10 downing st spokesman saying no christmas party was held, what do you think? i christmas party was held, what do ou think? ~ , ., ., you think? i think first of all --eole you think? i think first of all people work— you think? i think first of all people work very _ you think? i think first of all people work very hard - you think? i think first of all people work very hard to . you think? i think first of all - people work very hard to produce a stream of words and a code of words in answer to a particular challenge, the line to take, that is very carefully drafted. we heard it this week when the line that all ministers was obviously, i was not there, so i cannot comment. one after the other they said the same thing. what you got to do is read through that and see what is really being said. i think it is perfectly possible the prime minister is not being given all the information about what happened by number 10, he can sometimes get quite above themselves and can make a number of decisions that the prime minister may be unaware of. but i think now he has really got to be very clear about what has actually happened. there has been, as everyone now believes, the video last night would suggest that there has been a gathering that would not have been eligible under the rules. he has got to say so today, apologise and start the recovery of good governance from that moment. much mac which the recovery of good governance from that moment. much ma- the recovery of good governance from that moment. much mac which is what the department _ that moment. much mac which is what the department of— that moment. much mac which is what the department of education _ that moment. much mac which is what the department of education have - the department of education have done. the daily mirror have reported there was a party when gavin williamson was the secretary. a statement to the mirror from the dfe said, you know, in hindsight, that should not have happened. icredit said, you know, in hindsight, that should not have happened. credit to them fortaking _ should not have happened. credit to them for taking that _ should not have happened. credit to them for taking that responsibility. l them for taking that responsibility. it should not have happened. everybody should have stuck to the rules. we all stuck to the rules last christmas even though it was quite difficult for some. of course, absolutely tragic for others. so the department of education has obviously done the right thing in these circumstances, but that shines a spotlight even more on what number 10 was doing and the way in which number 10 behaved. 10 was doing and the way in which number10 behaved. ithink 10 was doing and the way in which number 10 behaved. i think the video is deeply hurtful. we all know that the team at number 10 work under great pressure, of course they do, but they are not undergraduates, they are grown ups. not everything is a laugh. you have got to be able to separate the process of politics from the need for good governance and very difficult circumstances. and the bargain between the people and government at times of difficulty is the sense that everybody really is in it together. if that is broken, as it was broken by dominic cummings last year, as roger gale in that excellent interview made clear, if that link is broken, then government cannot do itsjob. you should have had sajid javid on today talking about the success of the vaccine programme, bearing in mind that firstjob was just one year ago, and if such it cannot do hisjob, and of people around the country who want to support colleagues that are doing difficultjobs support colleagues that are doing difficult jobs feel undermined support colleagues that are doing difficultjobs feel undermined today difficult jobs feel undermined today by difficultjobs feel undermined today by what has gone on, then the prime minister has got to take the opportunity today to clear it up and clear it out. number 10 has got to behave properly. d0 clear it out. number 10 has got to behave properly-— clear it out. number 10 has got to behave properly. do you agree with sir ro . er behave properly. do you agree with sir roger gale _ behave properly. do you agree with sir roger gale when _ behave properly. do you agree with sir roger gale when he _ behave properly. do you agree with sir roger gale when he said - behave properly. do you agree with sir roger gale when he said if- behave properly. do you agree with | sir roger gale when he said if there is any misleading of the house of commons then, by the prime minister, then he must resign? i am commons then, by the prime minister, then he must resign?— then he must resign? i am not going down that- -- — then he must resign? i am not going down that... you _ then he must resign? i am not going down that... you spoke _ then he must resign? i am not going down that... you spoke to _ then he must resign? i am not going down that... you spoke to a - then he must resign? i am not going| down that... you spoke to a member of parliament about that and roger said what he said. the rule is very clear, you must not mislead the house of commons. i would not expect the prime minister deliberately to do that. but everybody knows now that there has been a line about this alleged incident last year, and he is now under absolute pressure. he has to say definitively what happened. so i would imagine that today he is calling on people at number 10 to find out that the line they have been giving him, if that is not accurate, then it has to change. i would expect him to behave responsibly in this situation. thank ou for responsibly in this situation. thank you for talking _ responsibly in this situation. thank you for talking to _ responsibly in this situation. thank you for talking to us. _ responsibly in this situation. thank you for talking to us. let's - responsibly in this situation. thank you for talking to us. let's have . responsibly in this situation. thank you for talking to us. let's have a i you for talking to us. let's have a burner with another former conservative mp. what is your reaction? i you'll macro i agree with a lot of what has already been said by alistair burt and sir roger gale. i said by alistair burt and sir roger gale. ., said by alistair burt and sir roger gale. . ., said by alistair burt and sir roger gale. ., . , ., gale. i agree with what your correspondent _ gale. i agree with what your correspondent was - gale. i agree with what your correspondent was saying i gale. i agree with what yourj correspondent was saying at gale. i agree with what your - correspondent was saying at downing street about how serious this is. but it is notjust the fact street about how serious this is. but it is not just the fact that they have broken the rules, clearly they have broken the rules, clearly they don't have this party, they then lied about it, and there is no other word for it. it is not the prime minister did not really get all the answers to the questions. do not be filled by that. last week at b&q's, he knew... the story had already broken and he trotted out this line about no rules were broken. that is clearly not true. but it is notjust either how badly it is, it is about lying about it, it is, it is about lying about it, it is, it is about lying about it, it is then the fact that they laughed about it. this laughing at the rest of us who were abiding by the rest of us who were abiding by the rules because, i am afraid to say, it goes to the heart of this government. it is basically being run by a liar, who is borisjohnson, and that is his long—standing track record. we do not have grown—ups in number 10. record. we do not have grown—ups in number10. on top record. we do not have grown—ups in number 10. on top of all of that, we are in the middle of a pandemic, and there is both alistair and roger quite rightly said, we need to have these big strong public health messages to beat this wretched covid crisis, and today was meant to be about vaccinations and persuading people if you have not had yourjab go and get it. go and get your blister. instead they have all run away like scared coward is that are. because of this feeling of government right at its heart with our prime minister. it is government right at its heart with our prime minister.— our prime minister. it is a really stron: our prime minister. it is a really strong accusation _ our prime minister. it is a really strong accusation to _ our prime minister. it is a really strong accusation to see - our prime minister. it is a really strong accusation to see the - our prime minister. it is a really i strong accusation to see the prime minister has lied about this. you'll micro he has. what is your evidence question mark young and he has lied about other things before. what is your evidence question mark the dail your evidence question mark ii�*uéi daily mirror broke a story, and it is a serious story because it is a serious allegation, that essentially in the building where your home is, where your office is as prime minister, there was a christmas party that broke the rules. any normal prime minister would be saying, right, get the top people in, what the hell has been going on? is this true? you can bet your bottom dollar keir starmer, leader of the opposition, is doing hisjob and will be asking these questions at prime minister's questions on wednesday. that is what we normally happen. you would demand to know. that is what happens. when you are preparing for prime minister's questions, you think about all the possible questions that are going to be asked. bhd possible questions that are going to be asked. �* ., , ., ,~ possible questions that are going to be asked. �* ., ., ,~' ., ,., be asked. and he was asked about it be asked. and he was asked about it b sir keir be asked. and he was asked about it by sir keir starmer. _ be asked. and he was asked about it by sir keir starmer. he _ be asked. and he was asked about it by sir keir starmer. he said - be asked. and he was asked about it by sir keir starmer. he said no - by sir keir starmer. he said no covid rules were broken. i am asking you, how do you know he is lying? you were emphatic about it. because we know there _ you were emphatic about it. because we know there was _ you were emphatic about it. because we know there was a _ you were emphatic about it. because we know there was a party. - you were emphatic about it. because we know there was a party. it - you were emphatic about it. because we know there was a party. it was . we know there was a party. it was the last friday, by the way, before christmas, so it is the end of the last working week before christmas. we now know, you can be sure your sources, excellent sources, your excellent reporters have said from good sources we have that video now of allegra stratton laughing about it. you can be quite sure there was a party. whatever prime minister said, presumably having been briefed, here is the line, alistair burt has just explained it, here briefed, here is the line, alistair burt hasjust explained it, here is the line, no rules were broken. that is a lie because the rule was very clear on december 18 in london, no christmas parties. so, he thought he was being clever, as ever. our prime minister was not telling the truth. there is a video, as you know, victoria, on twitter, been viewed by nearly a0 million people that shows all the lies that the spy minister has taught at the dispatch box. i wish the bbc would broadcast it, like other news outlets have. because it shows, and this is the history of borisjohnson, he has been sacked from everyjob he has ever done. one of his former employers, usually respected, says... i think what we are seeing is those of us who have actually been saying this for a long, long time, one of the reasons why so many of us left the conservative party was because we know what boris johnson is like. he tells lies as easily as he takes a breath. we have yet another example. but it is not just the fact that they lie, it is the damage it is doing at this critical time in covid when you should be talking today about if you have not had yourjab, get your vaccine, get your blister, let's beat this, let's not have another christmas like last year. we beat this, let's not have another christmas like last year.- christmas like last year. we are auoin to christmas like last year. we are going to talk — christmas like last year. we are going to talk about _ christmas like last year. we are going to talk about that. - christmas like last year. we are going to talk about that. you i christmas like last year. we are i going to talk about that. you micro you're doing a greatjob, but this is clouding all those really important public messages. and is clouding all those really important public messages. and i think people _ important public messages. and i think people sitting _ important public messages. and i think people sitting at _ important public messages. mr. i think people sitting at home important public messages. fific i think people sitting at home will say salt it, i have had enough of this. if they cannot follow the rules, why should i? we have heard from the families and the heartbreak of those people and how they feel, they followed the rules and it broke their hearts not to say goodbye to their hearts not to say goodbye to their loved ones, and they were partying in number10, lying their loved ones, and they were partying in number 10, lying about it and i were laughing about it. thank you for talking to us. thank you for your messages, as well. sarah says i am furious, my mother's funeral was one year ago, she died in a care home from covid, there are no words for this video. lorna says please can we drop the politics of making headlines out of minor incidents, the government have been working hard to make the country worked during the midst of the pandemic, don't they deserve a break? ian says, i watch the video of the press conference from last december shown this morning with angen december shown this morning with anger, another case of one rule for the public, one for government ministers and the inner circle. i was unable to spend last christmas with my family like so many families across the uk. let me know what you think, we will feed your comments into the conversation. now it's time for a look at the weather. good morning, everybody, storm barra is still on our shores. everybody, storm barra is still on ourshores. gales everybody, storm barra is still on our shores. gales across parts of wales, central and southern england. showers rotating around the area of low pressure that is the storm and some wintry on higher ground, some heavy with hailstones, thunder and lightning, and also a chilly day where ever you are. through this evening and overnight, the centre of low—pressure purses into the north sea, showers rotate around it, some clear skies across north—east england, centraland clear skies across north—east england, central and eastern scotland, cool enough for some frost, clear skies across parts of wales, the south—west and northern ireland, we will start with some sunshine tomorrow. the show is pushing eastwards and fragmenting, lots of dry weather, a new front comes our way later introducing rain and milder conditions across the far south—west. hello this is bbc news with victoria derbyshire. the headlines. the fictional party was a business meeting and not a socially distanced. more pressure on the prime minister to explain a downing street christmas party last year, after video emerges showing senior no ten staff laughing and joking about it. number ten maintains there was no party, at a time when tight coronavirus restrictions were in place — grieving families say the video has made them angry. exactly one year after 90—year—old maggie keenan received the world's first approved coronavirus vaccine, the booster programme opens to over a0s in england. and coming up shortly.... i'll be speaking to the first afghan woman to practise as a barrister in england and wales, after coming to the uk as a refugee when she was five. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, it's been an embarassing opening day of the ashes for england, losing a wicket on the first ball and captain joe root going for a duck. in contrast australia were impressive, with their captain pat cummins taking five wickets. england will have to wait until tomorrow to try to make amends though after rain stopped play. joe wilson was watching. no travelling fans permitted but if you were brave enough to support england and live in brisbane, hurry to your seats, you might miss it. the ashes start and rory burns out. yes, the first ball of the series and it sure set the tone. england's captain was in, zero hundred sajoe root. ben stokes out and straight after lunch, defying a25. but the ball flying atjos buttler paste to the boundary. he had a partnership that was appreciated by the neutral supporter, getting competitive for a bit. jos buttler gone for a9, all out for 1a7 after a fine catch, a wicket for pat cummins, his faith, walking off, the australia captain, his side had dominated. neither anderson nor broad were selected, must be outstanding to stop the whole match slipping away on the second day. one glimmer of hope wasjos buttler sharing a stand of 52 with ollie pope, who made 35. pope says it's early days and they're not letting the bad start get them down. it was not the end result we wanted. we are not going to get too down about it now, disappointing start. there was frustration we haven't been able to put on the big score that we wanted but the pitch offered a fair bit for the seam. we won't get too down, a long tour and series, we will fight tomorrow. liverpool are the first english side to win all six of their champions league group games — they came from behind to beat ac milan 2—1 last night. knowing they'd already won the group, jurgen klopp made eight changes to the side — but it was two familar faces who scored the goals — mo salah with his 20th of the season. and divock origi with the winner — that's a huge confidence—boost going into the knock—out stage. we won all the games, which is absolutely incredible and just another chapter in the history of this wonderful group of players, what they have done in the last years is exceptional but it is not a price, really. iwould years is exceptional but it is not a price, really. i would have taken each points tally to go to the election, 18 is the best so we take as well. — to go to the next round. manchester city were also already on their way through as group winners, but they finished with a 2—1 defeat to rb leipzig in germany. and to add to their misery, kyle walker was shown a straight red for this challenge — that means he'll miss the first leg of their last—16 match. they'll find out who they'll be facing on monday. tyson fury has been ordered to defend his world heavyweight title against british rival dillian whyte. the wbc has named whyte as fury�*s mandatory challenger and given the two parties 30 days to agree a deal. after beating deontay wilder in october, fury had a window to set up a huge unification fight with oleksandr usyk, who'd just taken anthonyjoshua's three titles, butjoshua triggered his rematch clause. fury—whyte is likely to take place in february or march next year, with cardiff or manchester potential venues. that's all the sport for now. more on the bbc sport website. omicron does not appear to cause more severe disease than previous covid variants, and is "highly unlikely" to fully dodge vaccine protections, according to a senior official at the world health organization. but the first lab tests of the new variant in south africa suggest it can partially evade the pfizerjab. researchers found there was a "very large drop" in how well the vaccine's antibodies neutralised the new strain. it's been exactly one year since the first covid vaccine was administered in the uk. since then 81% of the population aged 12 and over have received two doses. the medical director of nhs england, professor stephen powis, has been speaking to our medical editor fergus walsh about seeing that first covid jab being delivered. i remember at any time saying it was a moment of hope, felt like a historic moment and i still think that a year on because the vaccines are the main way out of this pandemic. it has been remarkable for the vaccine programme, we have vaccinated in hospital such as this, gp surgeries, pharmacies, mosques, football stadiums, racecourses, we were in exeter injanuary. very cold. we rolled out the pfizer faxing, and the astrazeneca backs into it first doses, second doses and boosters, iam into it first doses, second doses and boosters, i am sure someone will get the 100 million vaccines since we started a year ago, a remarkable job, a testament to the staff. changes to the rules for the over 40s? _ changes to the rules for the over 405? ., . 4' changes to the rules for the over 405? ., , ~' .., ., ., 40s? last week the recommendation was changed. — 40s? last week the recommendation was changed. the _ 40s? last week the recommendation was changed, the booster _ aos? last week the recommendation was changed, the booster now- 40s? last week the recommendation | was changed, the booster now should come three months after the second dose rather than six months, we are opening up the national booking service, anyone over a0 can book that three month appointment. you can book it two months after your second dose, 61 days after your second dose, 61 days after your second dose, 61 days after your second dose you can book in advance for the booster 91 days, three months after the second dose. if you are eligible, get online today and book it. ., , , are eligible, get online today and book it. . , , , ., ., book it. there has been frustration because the _ book it. there has been frustration because the government _ book it. there has been frustration | because the government trumpeted putting _ because the government trumpeted putting the booster programme on steroids. _ putting the booster programme on steroids, said you could have your 'ab steroids, said you could have your jab after— steroids, said you could have your jab after three months, frustration from _ jab after three months, frustration from people that they haven't been able to— from people that they haven't been able to get online and book. we are 0 enin: able to get online and book. we are oenin: u- able to get online and book. we are opening up the _ able to get online and book. we are opening up the booking _ able to get online and book. we are opening up the booking service i able to get online and book. we are. opening up the booking service today for the over a0s so they can have their three—month booster dose, and expanding the vaccine programme, turbo—charging it, last week we set aside administrative work that gps do so they are more able to do vaccines and jabs this winter. we are advertising for 10,000 paid vaccinate of today, working with st john and the royal voluntary service to get another a2,000 volunteers into the vaccine programme. you will see exactly as you say, on steroids, turbo charged over the next couple of hours to hit that target of offering a booster to everyone who is eligible by the end of january. how worried are you about the omicron — how worried are you about the omicron variant because hundreds of cases— omicron variant because hundreds of cases now. _ omicron variant because hundreds of cases now, spreading in the community, is this a brace against delta _ community, is this a brace against delta and — community, is this a brace against delta and omicron? we community, is this a brace against delta and omicron?— community, is this a brace against delta and omicron? we get concerned after we see — delta and omicron? we get concerned after we see a — delta and omicron? we get concerned after we see a new _ delta and omicron? we get concerned after we see a new variant _ delta and omicron? we get concerned after we see a new variant that - after we see a new variant that starts spreading, this one is concerning because of the number of changes, mutations which means it looks different from previous variants. we are certain almost it will be more transmissible, spread more easily, but still early to know whether the vaccines will be impacted and whether it has any difference in terms of the severity of illness caused. what is important is that even if there is a drop off in the way the vaccines were, the way that it can be counted is by getting the booster dose, which massively boosts the antibodies in your blood which by having more of them and boosting those those will still work against the new variant. a video has emerged of downing street— a video has emerged of downing street officialsjoking a video has emerged of downing street officials joking about a christmas party last year, you are entirely— christmas party last year, you are entirely a — christmas party last year, you are entirely a nonpolitical person but how unhelpful is that for you as someone — how unhelpful is that for you as someone who is encouraging people to wear your— someone who is encouraging people to wear your mask, have a booster, follow _ wear your mask, have a booster, follow the — wear your mask, have a booster, follow the rules? | wear your mask, have a booster, follow the rules?— wear your mask, have a booster, follow the rules? i don't know the details of it _ follow the rules? i don't know the details of it but _ follow the rules? i don't know the details of it but i _ follow the rules? i don't know the details of it but i would _ follow the rules? i don't know the details of it but i would say - follow the rules? i don't know the details of it but i would say is i details of it but i would say is what you would expect me to say as nhs medical director, as at the start of the pandemic, follow the guidance, be sensible, if you are meeting people over the next few weeks, do a lateralflow meeting people over the next few weeks, do a lateral flow test, meeting people over the next few weeks, do a lateralflow test, i did the one this morning. i5 weeks, do a lateralflow test, i did the one this morning. is it unhelpful— the one this morning. is it unhelpful there _ the one this morning. is it unhelpful there seems i the one this morning. is it unhelpful there seems to | the one this morning. is it unhelpful there seems to be one rule for those _ unhelpful there seems to be one rule for those in _ unhelpful there seems to be one rule for those in power and one rule for the rest _ for those in power and one rule for the rest of— for those in power and one rule for the rest of us? | for those in power and one rule for the rest of us?— the rest of us? i think the british ublic the rest of us? i think the british public have _ the rest of us? i think the british public have responded _ the rest of us? i think the british i public have responded magnificently to the pandemic in terms of following the guidance and coming forward for those jabs. i am sure they will continue to do so, there where you can help, when you get called, get the booster.- where you can help, when you get called, get the booster. refusing to be drawn. this morning we are in the vaccination clinic. a steady trickle of people coming in and getting there boosterjabs. the main attraction is maggie keenan. you can have a selfie with her picture after you have yourjab. she has been back here with the person who gave her the jab. there is a genuine warmth between them, they have a nickname for themselves, maggie may. and she felt about being a little bit of a celebrity now.— felt about being a little bit of a celebri now. , ., celebrity now. sometimes i cannot understand — celebrity now. sometimes i cannot understand it. _ celebrity now. sometimes i cannot understand it, really, _ celebrity now. sometimes i cannot understand it, really, sometimes. | understand it, really, sometimes. people _ understand it, really, sometimes. people meet me in the street and say, people meet me in the street and say. thank— people meet me in the street and say, thank god for you because i wasn't _ say, thank god for you because i wasn't going to have thisjab and it wasn't going to have thisjab and it was lovely— wasn't going to have thisjab and it was lovely to hear that, even young people _ was lovely to hear that, even young people have spoken to me and it makes _ people have spoken to me and it makes me — people have spoken to me and it makes me feel good. this people have spoken to me and it makes me feel good.— people have spoken to me and it makes me feel good. this time last ear, i makes me feel good. this time last year. i was — makes me feel good. this time last year. i was here — makes me feel good. this time last year, i was here and _ makes me feel good. this time last year, i was here and it _ makes me feel good. this time last year, i was here and it felt - makes me feel good. this time last year, i was here and it felt like i makes me feel good. this time last year, i was here and it felt like a i year, i was here and it felt like a momentous time after covering such a grim, dark pandemic here we were with the glimmer of hope and light. there wasn't so much we didn't know, how many people would come forward for their vaccines, the government was helping may be 75%, the reality is closer to 90%. we didn't know how good the vaccines were going to be and here is a really good statistic, in the four months up to this time last year, the chances of dying from each covid case where one in 70, now that has dropped to one in 290. you can see the real world impact of how the vaccines are making so much difference. we know now the vaccine protection doesn't last forever which is why things like this, these boosters, are so important, you have to come forward and get them. the other thing we didn't know back then was variants. other thing we didn't know back then was variants-— was variants. kath in coventry. thank you- _ i'm nowjoined by professor adam finn, a member of thejoint committee on vaccination and immunisation. omicron is highly unlikely to fully evade the vaccine, according to the who, how do you respond?- evade the vaccine, according to the who, how do you respond? those are likel to who, how do you respond? those are likely to turn — who, how do you respond? those are likely to turn out _ who, how do you respond? those are likely to turn out to _ who, how do you respond? those are likely to turn out to be _ who, how do you respond? those are likely to turn out to be accurate - likely to turn out to be accurate predictions but there is still a lot of uncertainty around this. it is looking like it is very transmissible, hopefully it will not be causing more serious disease when it does occur but a more infectious virus means more cases so that still does pose a problem. in terms of vaccine evasion, we are very helpful for the protection against severe disease which has held up really well against all the variants so far will also hold up against this variant. nevertheless the vaccine, there are some data from south africa showing the neutralisation of this virus is more difficult. that may mean the vaccines, we really do need these boosters to bring down the rate of transmission. can i need these boosters to bring down the rate of transmission.— the rate of transmission. can i ask ou to the rate of transmission. can i ask you to reflect _ the rate of transmission. can i ask you to reflect on _ the rate of transmission. can i ask you to reflect on the _ the rate of transmission. can i ask you to reflect on the first - the rate of transmission. can i ask| you to reflect on the first approved and have it vaccination in the arm of margaret keenan 12 months ago and the speed with which the public and private sector came up with these vaccines? , , private sector came up with these vaccines? . , ., , ., vaccines? yes, it is remarkable to reflect that _ vaccines? yes, it is remarkable to reflect that it — vaccines? yes, it is remarkable to reflect that it is _ vaccines? yes, it is remarkable to reflect that it is already _ vaccines? yes, it is remarkable to reflect that it is already a - vaccines? yes, it is remarkable to reflect that it is already a year i reflect that it is already a year since the first dose was given and what has been achieved. even more so what has been achieved. even more so what was achieved before the first dose was given, in less than a year from the first reports of the virus in china to having one and then several vaccines available that all turn out to be very effective. all the way through 2020, we were working away at this but did not know what we would end up with. so it was a great moment when we saw that first dose going on, the nhs cranking up its efforts and getting everything started in such a remarkable way. i everything started in such a remarkable way.— everything started in such a remarkable way. i wonder if i can ask ou remarkable way. i wonder if i can ask you if — remarkable way. i wonder if i can ask you if you _ remarkable way. i wonder if i can ask you if you agree _ remarkable way. i wonder if i can ask you if you agree with - remarkable way. i wonder if i can ask you if you agree with certain | ask you if you agree with certain politicians that this discussion about whether there was a downing street christmas party, this video that has emerged, is a distraction from the government's messaging on wanting people to get boosters? i do not think my — wanting people to get boosters? i if not think my opinion on that is something anyone would want to hear, i am really here to talk about the vaccination programme rather than the politics of all of this. the thing is. _ the politics of all of this. the thing is, according _ the politics of all of this. the thing is, according to some, the two have actually come together because they are saying it is a distraction from the messaging and also potentially a time when voters might 90. potentially a time when voters might go, if they are doing that, why should i do what they want me to do? i think what we can say is that the british public have been remarkably supportive of this vaccine programme. it is something we have all contributed to, not only domestically but don't like people are coming forward in very large numbers to get the additional boosters we are advised about last week. i am confident people will continue to support the programme, come on board, continue to follow the advice to receive the vaccines when they become available. finally, exlain when they become available. finally, ex - lain to when they become available. finally, explain to our— when they become available. finally, explain to our audience _ when they become available. finally, explain to our audience why - when they become available. finally, explain to our audience why the i explain to our audience why the booster, the third jab is so important. booster, the third 'ab is so importantfi booster, the third 'ab is so imortant. , , ., important. this is really important, the data i important. this is really important, the data ijust _ important. this is really important, the data ijust mention _ important. this is really important, the data ijust mention from - important. this is really important, the data ijust mention from south| the data ijust mention from south africa re—emphasises this, the antibodies we all got from the vaccines we receive, some of us who have been infected as well, protected us against these new variants. this is going to need new antibodies. the study published on friday led by southampton confirms that by having the third dose you can reallyjack up the levels of antibodies in your blood substantially above those you had in your second dose. that is what we needin your second dose. that is what we need in order to get ahead of this new variant and avoid a new wave of hospitalisations.— hospitalisations. thank you, professor — hospitalisations. thank you, professor adam _ hospitalisations. thank you, professor adam finn. i this year almost half of the bbc 100 women list is made up of afghan women. 100 of the most influential women around the world, loads of information on the bbc website. the resurgence of the taliban in august 2021 has changed the lives of millions of afghans — with girls banned from receiving secondary education, the ministry for women's affairs being disbanded, and women in many cases told not to return to work. yalda hakim has been covering the developments in the country. every year the bbc names 100 inspiring and influential women as part of the bbc 100 women season and this yearfor the first part of the bbc 100 women season and this year for the first time 50 of these women are from one country, afghanistan. this year's season will recognise the stories of afghan women, the scope of their bravery and their achievements after the taliban took control of the country earlier this year. over the next four days, bbc100 earlier this year. over the next four days, bbc 100 women will also share the stories of women around the globe hitting reset and creating lasting change. 2021 has been a year when many women, especially those in afghanistan, have had to reinvent their lives. this women's rights advocate and one of the women named in today's list spoke to me and campbell. in today's list spoke to me and campbell-— in today's list spoke to me and cambell. ., , ~ ., , ., , campbell. the trouble afghanistan is in riaht now campbell. the trouble afghanistan is in right now apart — campbell. the trouble afghanistan is in right now apart from _ campbell. the trouble afghanistan is in right now apart from the _ campbell. the trouble afghanistan is in right now apart from the whole i in right now apart from the whole political situation, in right now apart from the whole politicalsituation, is in right now apart from the whole political situation, is poverty, brain drain, a collapse of society, a country on the verge of becoming in pieces, of being destroyed. you have become _ in pieces, of being destroyed. you have become now the public face of afghan women in afghanistan, someone who has remained and calling on others to come back, but what are they coming back to? ittrui’htztt others to come back, but what are they coming back to?— others to come back, but what are they coming back to? what they are comint they coming back to? what they are coming back — they coming back to? what they are coming back to _ they coming back to? what they are coming back to is _ they coming back to? what they are coming back to is not _ they coming back to? what they are coming back to is not really - they coming back to? what they are coming back to is not really very i coming back to is not really very different from what they have left, thatis different from what they have left, that is something i want to say. but by not working on it and by not being around and by not raising our voices and by not asking the right questions at the right time and by not bringing everything to the attention of the ones that are taking care of things, whether the caliban, afghans, international community, it can get a lot worse. for them to come back now, we can start working again. and make things happen again for afghanistan. because i am sure there will be a day when the taliban realised that without women it is just not going to happen. joining me now is one of this years bbc 100 women recipients rehana popal who is a public law human rights barrister. rehana is a former afghan refugee who came to this country when she was five and today she works to help and support other afghan refugees who have fled the country. what is your reaction to being on the list? ., ~' what is your reaction to being on the list? ,, ,, , the list? shocked, privileged, surprised. _ the list? shocked, privileged, surprised. it _ the list? shocked, privileged, surprised, it is _ the list? shocked, privileged, surprised, it is a _ the list? shocked, privileged, surprised, it is a real- the list? shocked, privileged, surprised, it is a real honouri the list? shocked, privileged, i surprised, it is a real honour to be alongside such formidable women also on the list. it is just a real privilege. on the list. it is 'ust a real privilege._ on the list. it is 'ust a real privilege. on the list. it is 'ust a real rivilete. , ., ., ,, privilege. tell us about the work ou do to privilege. tell us about the work you do to help — privilege. tell us about the work you do to help other _ privilege. tell us about the work you do to help other afghan i you do to help other afghan refugees. that you do to help other afghan refugees-— you do to help other afghan refu~ees. �* ., ,, . , refugees. at the moment specifically i am refugees. at the moment specifically i am working — refugees. at the moment specifically i am working very — refugees. at the moment specifically i am working very heavily _ refugees. at the moment specifically i am working very heavily in - refugees. at the moment specifically i am working very heavily in helping. i am working very heavily in helping afghan interpreters, these were individuals who work alongside british forces, they served in afghanistan and these are individuals who were eligible under the scheme but left behind and trying to find ways in which they can come to the uk, and those who have refuses against their decisions in bringing challenges against it. what has it been like for you, coming here aged five, how have you found it growing up in britain? it has been, i mean, when i go back to my childhood and look back at how things work, it makes me feel old, when i say in the 90s, the world has changed, specifically london has changed, specifically london has changed specifically. i look back at my time and i realise how lucky i was, how fortunate i was. specifically to go back to a point in one of the reports, which was the taliban has announced that children cannot carry on with secondary school education, and i look at the privileged position i am now, that is because of the power of education. that is something young afghan girls in afghanistan will now be deprived from. i look back with memories and fullness of my time in the uk so far. memories and fullness of my time in the uk so far-— the uk so far. explain the reasons wh ou the uk so far. explain the reasons why you came _ the uk so far. explain the reasons why you came aged _ the uk so far. explain the reasons why you came aged five. - the uk so far. explain the reasons why you came aged five. so i the uk so far. explain the reasons why you came aged five. so whatl why you came aged five. so what ha--ened why you came aged five. so what happened was. — why you came aged five. so what happened was, at _ why you came aged five. so what happened was, at that _ why you came aged five. so what happened was, at that point i why you came aged five. so what happened was, at that point it i why you came aged five. so what. happened was, at that point it was the civil war was unravelling in afghanistan, the soviets had withdrawn in 1989 and civil war had broken out between the northern alliance and done it there was a missile attack on our family home and it became untenable for us to stay in kandahar and we had no choice but to flee.— stay in kandahar and we had no choice but to flee. how do you feel for those who _ choice but to flee. how do you feel for those who have _ choice but to flee. how do you feel for those who have also _ choice but to flee. how do you feel for those who have also wanted i choice but to flee. how do you feel for those who have also wanted to | for those who have also wanted to flee in recent months but haven't necessarily been able to, since the taliban took over the country again? it is really hard. clients i have who are still in afghanistan, i speak to some of them and one said to me, if this doesn't work very soon i have no choice but to get my —— give my youngest daughter away because i will get a good price for her. it so easily could have been me, i so easily could have been in this situation. i have sympathy and empathy for those individuals who still remain there, who are desperate to see a better, peaceful life. my heart does go out and i try to do the best that i can on my side from what i can do from over here. thank you very much for talking to us, rehana popal, and congratulations. storm barra is still across our short but continuing to weaken. having said that, windy wherever you are today, particularly when they cross the northern isles and irish sea into words the english channel, here we have gales. still irritation of showers, longer spells of rain moving around the centre of the storm and some of those will be heavyin storm and some of those will be heavy in thundery with some hailstones and wintry over the tops of the hills in scotland, temperatures 6—9. this evening and overnight, once again our area of low pressure, storm barra, moves into the naughty, still irritation of showers and still cold, particularly across north—east scotland, central and eastern england, where we are looking at widespread frost. tomorrow starting up widespread frost. tomorrow starting up with all the showers across central areas, fading through the day, lots of dry weather, by the end of the afternoon the next system comes in from the west introducing some rain. behind that, the wind will pick up a bit, temperatures 7-9, will pick up a bit, temperatures 7—9, in the south—west milder at ten or 11. thank you for talking to us. thank you for your messages, as well. this is bbc news. i'm victoria derbyshire. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. this fictional party was a business meeting. and it was not socially distanced. more pressure on the prime minister to explain a downing street christmas party last year, after video emerges showing senior number 10 staff laughing about it. grieving families say the video has made them angry to see the cynicism and complete disregard for the regulation, their own regulations, at a time where the country was locking down and, you know, keeping safe, to keep their loved ones safe, it is just appalling. number 10 maintains there was no party, at a time when tight coronavirus restrictions were in place. a conservative mp says we need to hearfrom the prime minister and labour calls for answers.

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