but two doses may be compromised. welcome to outside source. within the past hour or so — it's been confirmed that all parts of england are to be subject to a new set of covid measures — to combat the rising number of cases of 0micron — the latest variant of coronavirus. plan b — as it's known — was intended to be enforced if the nhs in england was under �*unsustainable pressure�* — and it seems that time has now arrived. the plan includes the reintroduction of some social distancing measures — and the making the wearing of face masks compulsory in some settings. the uk government are also asking people to work from home where that's possible — and will be introducing vaccine passports for entry to some places and events. exponential growth could lead to a rise in hospitalisations and sadly, in deaths. that is why it is now the proportionate and responsible thing to move to plan b in england while continuing to work closely with our colleagues in the devolved administrations so that we slow the spread of the virus. by ourselves the time to get yet more visitors into arms and especially in the older and more vulnerable people and understand the answers to the key outstanding questions about emma cron. , , ., , ., outstanding questions about emma cron. , , . , cron. this virus has mutated quickly and that is sort _ cron. this virus has mutated quickly and that is sort of— cron. this virus has mutated quickly and that is sort of what _ cron. this virus has mutated quickly and that is sort of what you - cron. this virus has mutated quickly and that is sort of what you would i and that is sort of what you would expect _ and that is sort of what you would expect at — and that is sort of what you would expect at this stage. you start to see more — expect at this stage. you start to see more mutations. this one has got a lot more _ see more mutations. this one has got a lot more than anyone thought would arrive _ a lot more than anyone thought would arrive that _ a lot more than anyone thought would arrive that quickly. and that is what — arrive that quickly. and that is what has _ arrive that quickly. and that is what has caused so many about it. what _ what has caused so many about it. what we _ what has caused so many about it. what we are on as a road from pandemic— what we are on as a road from pandemic to endemic where this becomes— pandemic to endemic where this becomes all sort of regular infection like flu or something over time but _ infection like flu or something over time but we are in a sort of bumpy transition — time but we are in a sort of bumpy transition for that. doctor andrew hayward is a professor of epidemiology at university college london. he's a member of nervtag — a group which advises the government on the threat from new viruses. do you agree with the government's need? i do you agree with the government's need? ., do you agree with the government's need? . w do you agree with the government's need? ., ., ~' do you agree with the government's need? ., ., ,, , ., need? i do. i do think it is a proportionate _ need? i do. i do think it is a proportionate response - need? i do. i do think it is a proportionate response to l need? i do. i do think it is a proportionate response to a need? i do. i do think it is a - proportionate response to a serious potential problem and a very rapid increase that we have seen in south africa mirrored by the very rapid increase that we are seeing here and especially i think one of the things that was worrying was the increase in hospitalisations that we were already beginning to see in south africa, will make it clear that we do need to do something to slow this new variant down.— new variant down. might be a good idea to do some _ new variant down. might be a good idea to do some of— new variant down. might be a good idea to do some of these _ new variant down. might be a good| idea to do some of these measures earlier in anticipation of the winter because a rise in cases was widely predicted?— widely predicted? well, i mean, i think prior _ widely predicted? well, i mean, i think prior to _ widely predicted? well, i mean, i think prior to omicron _ widely predicted? well, i mean, i think prior to omicron coming - widely predicted? well, i mean, i. think prior to omicron coming delta cases are relatively steady and high levels. they were beginning to increase but nowhere near the speed with which they says so there may be doubling every two or three weeks as opposed to every two or three days so obviously you've got a bit more time to play with when things are happening slowly. and things are happening slowly. and things are happening very quickly it is right to introduce measures quickly. hora to introduce measures quickly. how lona to to introduce measures quickly. how long to think— to introduce measures quickly. how long to think the _ to introduce measures quickly. how long to think the measures will need to be in place? i long to think the measures will need to be in place?— to be in place? i think that is very challenging _ to be in place? i think that is very challenging to _ to be in place? i think that is very challenging to say. _ to be in place? i think that is very challenging to say. i _ to be in place? i think that is very challenging to say. i believe - to be in place? i think that is very challenging to say. i believe that l challenging to say. i believe that the predictions are that the omicron variant would reach a similar levels to the delta variant before christmas and then will carry on increasing into january. i think it does depend quite a lot how much the booster campaign slows it down and it also depends quite a lot on how much people take these new restrictions seriously. i much people take these new restrictions seriously.- restrictions seriously. i am listening — restrictions seriously. i am listening to _ restrictions seriously. i am listening to everything - restrictions seriously. i am listening to everything youj restrictions seriously. i am - listening to everything you are saying and as you are same as i can see some notes coming at my colleagues quoting borisjohnson saying we think it is ok to keep going with christmas parties. do you think that is wise? i going with christmas parties. do you think that is wise?— think that is wise? i certainly advise my — think that is wise? i certainly advise my employer- think that is wise? i certainly advise my employer that - think that is wise? i certainly i advise my employer that would think that is wise? i certainly - advise my employer that would not be advise my employer that would not be a good idea for our employees. and they have acted on that. and to me it does not really seem to make a great deal of sense although i think there is, you know, obviously christmas parties are really important for some people. 0ther important for some people. other people can take them or leave them. i think perhaps people need to think along the lines of, you know, john to go to the christmas party and risk catching covid not be able to go home for christmas? so maybe choose between one of the other. some of the people upset at these new measures would say, look at some point, we are almost two years into the pandemic, these measures, coming and going, need to end. how long might win need to be doing that. people say we just need to get on with it because we cannot keep doing this, what do you say? {iii with it because we cannot keep doing this, what do you say?— this, what do you say? of course, that is what _ this, what do you say? of course, that is what we _ this, what do you say? of course, that is what we all _ this, what do you say? of course, that is what we all want _ this, what do you say? of course, that is what we all want but - this, what do you say? of course, that is what we all want but we i this, what do you say? of course, | that is what we all want but we are also in a situation where we have an nhs that has very limited capacity and much more limited bed capacity than many european counterparts. so we don't really have the luxury of just letting hospitalisations go up and up and up and i'm sure nobody wants to see hospitalisations go up and up. nobody wants to see all of the routine operations that they have been waiting for cancelled for longer and are waiting lists increasing and more people dying so as much as we do not want to do it, i think our hand is being forced. i think this is not something that is going to go on interminably. as you move through the pandemic going to develop a greater breadth of immunity both revaccination and natural infection and the way of these pandemics is for these to settle down. sometimes it takes a couple of years. settle down. sometimes it takes a capple of years— settle down. sometimes it takes a couple of years. thank you very much indeed forjoining _ couple of years. thank you very much indeed forjoining us. _ thank you very much indeed forjoining us. this announcement comes as the government faces criticism from all sides, about the christmas party held by staff in downing street last december, when such gatherings were banned under coronavirus controls. that criticism was fueled by the video obtained by itv news, showing downing street staffjoking about having held the party. the advisor pictured speaking in that video — allegra stratton — apologised today, and resigned from herjob in government. warning, there is some flash photography in this clip. the british people have made immense sacrifices in the ongoing battle against kevin 19. i now fear that my colleagues in the leaked video of last year become a distraction in that fight. my remarks intimate light of the rules. rules that people were doing everything to obey. that was never my intention. i understand the anger and frustration that people feel. to all of your lost loved ones, who enjoyed intolerable loneliness and he struggled with your businesses, i am truly sorry. it has been a truly grim day for the prime minister which ever way you look at it. this was an immensely crisis. i think on two fronts. firstly on the political front because what has happened not just today but with other events including the issue about mps having otherjobs is that essentially it has awakened or reawakened that sort of doubt. those doubts they had about borisjohnson. they think, fantastic campaigner. brilliant at winning elections but is he really up winning elections but is he really up to high office? is he fit for high office? there is a political problem. that idea of support wailing amongst your own trips and thatis wailing amongst your own trips and that is what you might call the popular problem and this seems to be the kind of story that is cutting through an awful lot of staff that happened at westminster. most people don't care, don't follow it. but this idea that there is one rule for the governors and another for everybody else is the kind of thing that cuts through and one could point for example to an instant poll suggesting that 53% of people think that boris johnson suggesting that 53% of people think that borisjohnson should resign. you'd be incredibly careful about these kind of poles and there are lots of people who really like boris johnson and are prepared to cut him some slack but it is clear that he does have a problem on two fronts. as you well know, sometimes a resignation could really take the momentum out of the story but because she has resigned over the video but the video is only part of the story because there is also the issue of the party and when it happened on the 18th of december last year living around that, presumably this still has momentum? i don't think this is going away for a couple of reasons. the investigation into this party, this gathering. secondly, this idea that there were other events at downing street that may have violated lockdown rules in place last year that the prime minister himself might have attended. if you think about it, it is one thing in terms of public opinion of a few advisers got together but the public might take a dimmerview got together but the public might take a dimmer view if it was through the prime minister himself was involved in the third thing which is a bit of a clincher and makes it difficult fidelity to get over this problem is what you were just talking about. what has happened. introducing new restrictions to try to stem the spread of covid and you get lockdown sceptic saying, well, why should it be new rules when the prime minister won't do it? and you have supporters saying the events of the last few days and actually undermined efforts to get the public to follow these rules.— to follow these rules. thank you very much _ to follow these rules. thank you very much indeed. _ i repeat what i said in the house and earlier today. the cabinet secretary will conduct an enquiry into what took place on december 18 and as further events and dates you mentioned, as far as i'm aware, the best of my knowledge, we follow the rules throughout. that is what you expect. we followed the rule, as far as i am aware, there was followed in december 18 as well and ijust repeat that point. but it is clearly important that the cabinet secretary is able to get to the bottom of it. i think the overwhelmingly, the public see the importance of the messages they are getting via this medium. it isn't perfect. we do what we can to explain what we think is necessary. i know it is contentious. i know it is difficult and i know that sometimes the messages are confusing. we do our absolute best to make it as clear as possible. and we do everything we can to protect public health. that is what we are driven by. it's been just two weeks since we found out about the 0micron variant of covid—19. and you might remember there were fears that it would reduce vaccine protection. well, some positive news on that front. a third dose of the pfizer/biontech vaccine appears to successfuly neutralize the 0micron variant, according to the company's own lab tests. pfizer says getting a third dose increased antibodies against 0micron by a factor of 25. and if needed, the company says it can deliver a vaccine specifically for the 0micron strain by march next year. biontech are the company that developed pfizer's vaccine. here's biontech's head announcing the findings earlier. based on the levels we have observed in these preliminary studies, we expect significant protection against any type of covid—19 mediated by 0micron in individuals who have received the third vaccine. in the last hour, us presidentjoe biden has welcomed pfizer's announcement. have a listen. i have some good news this morning. the pfizer lab report came back saying that the expectation is that the existing vaccines protect against omicron, but if you get the booster, you're really in good shape. and so that's very encouraging. that's the lab report, that's the lab report. there's more study going on, but that's very, very encouraging. pfizer's data follows another test carried out in south african laboratories. it suggests that those who have received just two doses of the pfizer/biontech vaccine have fewer neutralising antibodies against 0micron. that means they might be vulnerable to breakthrough infections. pfizer's vaccine still provides some protection, though, which means it's unlikely that 0micron can evade the vaccine completely. here's the head of the africa health research institute, which carried out the research. 0micron may escape some of the immunity that the pfizer vaccine causes. that's the main finding. at the moment, we need to learn much more about what the implications of that finding is and whether this will hold true in terms of protection of people after pfizer vaccination. we still believe that the vaccine will protect against severe disease and death. experts measure an epidemic�*s growth using what's known as the r number. it represents the average number of people that one infected person will infect in turn. the first estimate for 0micron's r number puts it atjust under 3.5. that would make it three times as infectious as the delta variant, which currently has an r value of about one in the uk. but while it might be more transmissible, early data hints that it might be less dangerous than earlier strains. here's the director—general of the world health organization. in south africa, the number of 0micron cases is increasing quickly. however, 0micron was detected when transmission of delta was very low, so it had little competition. it will therefore be important to monitor carefully what happens around the world to understand whether 0micron can outcompete delta. for that reason, we call on all countries to increase surveillance, testing and sequencing. clare bryant is professor of innate immunology at cambridge university. thank you forjoining us. the are a number looks unsettling. it is thank you forjoining us. the are a number looks unsettling.— number looks unsettling. it is a very unsettling _ number looks unsettling. it is a very unsettling variant. - number looks unsettling. it is a very unsettling variant. the - number looks unsettling. it is a i very unsettling variant. the faster people get infected there is a potential for increasing hospitalisations. in potential for increasing hospitalisations. potential for increasing hos - italisations. , ., ., potential for increasing hositalisations. ., ., hospitalisations. in terms of how to treat it, hospitalisations. in terms of how to treat it. how _ hospitalisations. in terms of how to treat it, how are _ hospitalisations. in terms of how to treat it, how are you _ hospitalisations. in terms of how to treat it, how are you sure _ hospitalisations. in terms of how to treat it, how are you sure do - hospitalisations. in terms of how to treat it, how are you sure do you i treat it, how are you sure do you buy the data we have seen? i treat it, how are you sure do you buy the data we have seen? i think the really good _ buy the data we have seen? i think the really good news _ buy the data we have seen? i think the really good news is _ buy the data we have seen? i think the really good news is if _ buy the data we have seen? i think the really good news is if you - buy the data we have seen? i think the really good news is if you have| the really good news is if you have a visitor and you get a massive increase in your antibody numbers, that really helps. we also know there are two components of the immune system that respond. and whilst protection with the antibodies may be reduced because of the changes in the spite 30 and a new variant t cell response should remain intact so we should be in good shape to protect ourselves against severe disease and the more antibody you have which is you get the best, the better, that will help reduce the level of virus in your body response to the omicron variant. ., ., , ., ~' variant. the authorities would like to have 10096 _ variant. the authorities would like to have 10096 vaccination - variant. the authorities would like to have 10096 vaccination rates . variant. the authorities would like| to have 10096 vaccination rates not to have 100% vaccination rates not just in the uk but every country. in reality, even wealthy countries who have an infinite amount of doses still can't get the vaccination rates at much beyond 75% and below that in some cases. how vulnerable are the unvaccinated section of society? are the unvaccinated section of socie ? , , ., ., ., ., society? this is data we are holding events until — society? this is data we are holding events until we _ society? this is data we are holding events until we see _ society? this is data we are holding events until we see and _ society? this is data we are holding events until we see and should - society? this is data we are holding events until we see and should get| events until we see and should get that over the next seven or 1a days. it is likely but not certain, but likely that they will be more susceptible. that has certainly been the case with the other variants. if omicron is less pathogenic that would be great news but at the moment that is not a risk anyone wants it takes on the more people that can get vaccinated the better because it will help us deal with this virus. is because it will help us deal with this virus. , ,.,,, , because it will help us deal with this virus. , , ., because it will help us deal with thisvirus. , this virus. is it possible to put the evolution _ this virus. is it possible to put the evolution of— this virus. is it possible to put the evolution of the _ this virus. is it possible to put the evolution of the virus - this virus. is it possible to put the evolution of the virus via i this virus. is it possible to put l the evolution of the virus via his variance? does it give us clues as to where kevin 19 may go next? potentially experts because we survey the virus we may be able to see what happens next that i think everyone is very surprised by the very large number of mutations that we've seen in the omicron variant so it is not really predictable which i think is what you're asking me. it is a pity but i don't think it is predictable. is a pity but i don't think it is predictable-— is a pity but i don't think it is predictable. meps predict the interaction — predictable. meps predict the interaction between - predictable. meps predict the interaction between different| interaction between different variants? as omicron grows were dealt to be less relevant? omicron sreads dealt to be less relevant? omicron spreads you _ dealt to be less relevant? omicron spreads you would _ dealt to be less relevant? omicron spreads you would expect - dealt to be less relevant? omicron spreads you would expect it - dealt to be less relevant? omicron spreads you would expect it to - spreads you would expect it to outcompete delta in the population and that seems to be the natural history of the different variants over time. that is what we expect to happen so we will see.— happen so we will see. thank you very much- _ thank you very much. after 16 years in power, angela merkel has been replaced as germany's chancellor. mrs merkel has been credited with raising germany's profile and influence and being a role model for women in politics. her successor, social—democrat 0laf scholz, has served as vice—chancellor and finance minister since march 2018. here's our berlin correspondentjenny hill. in the powerful heart of europe, a new political era has begun. no pomp, little ceremony... 0laf scholz isn't known for his charisma or stirring speeches, but the social democrat and former finance minister's style, his manner, his politics, remind many germans of angela merkel, and they like him for it. mr scholz had promised the country a new government for christmas. his other pledges, to create a fairer, more liberal society, and a climate friendly country, may be harder to keep. angela merkel has done a greatjob but i think now it was a time for something new, something more green. translation: now we have something different but they have _ to prove themselves. that mr scholz managed to form a government at all is seen by some as nothing short of a miracle. he will have to hold to get an unusual coalition. the social democrats, the greens, and the business friendly free democrats are not natural bedfellows. this is an historic day for germany and there is a real sense of excitement at the political changes unfolding here. what the rest of the world wants to know is what does this mark a significant shift in germany's wider positions and policies? for now, it seems the answer is no. 0laf scholz championed the eu, likes a multilateral approach. his government plans to spend more on defence and will stick to nato commitments. you might see some shift on russia and china, in tone at least, if not in substance. this man was once angela merkel�*s foreign policy adviser. the outside world will be surprised that there will be much more continuity and change. there are many people who like to have this type of stability in germany. after 16 years, the merkel era is over. earlier, she wished mr scholz luck. he will need it. germany is experiencing its worst covid wave to date. the chancellor's first task — to develop, like his predecessor, a reputation for managing a crisis. jenny hill, bbc news, berlin. becoming chancellor will cap a long career in politics for 0laf sholz. here he is in 1984 making a speech to the youth arm of the sdp. he was 26 then, but had already been a party memberfor nine years. he became an mp taking on a party role alongside the then chancellor gerhard schroeder. this picture is from 2004. a few years later, 0laf sholz won the election to become mayor of hamburg. in 2017, the city played host to the g20 summit which saw an anti—capitalist protest turn into a riot. mr sholz said he was "ashamed" of what happened and asked hamburg's citizens for forgiveness, but he refused to resign. the next year, 0laf sholz moved to berlin, becoming finance minister in angela merkel�*s government. that was a "grand coalition" between left and right. the new coalition mr sholz has forged will be different. here's damian mcguinesss in berlin. it's a historic moment, isn't it? 16 years of a conservative—led government, now we've got a left—wing chancellor. he says he wants to make germany fairer, in his words, and greener. now, on the one hand, he's promising lots of traditional left—wing policies such as raising the minimum wage by quite a lot. 0n the other hand, because he's supported by the green party, he is promising quite a radical environmental agenda as well. so, things like quite ambitious targets for germany to scrap coal—powered fire by 2030. already germany next year is getting rid of nuclear, so that is quite ambitious indeed. also to make by 2030 80% of the power source of electricity sourced by renewables. again, a very ambitious target. so, he says he wants to modernise germany, shake germany up, but at the same time he sort of says he wants to carry on the continuity of angela merkel. in some ways, and he carries on her style, really. a new era for german politics. an important update on the story of the downing street christmas party last year but at the press association here in the uk that the metropolitan police say it will not investigate allegations. aquatic is not quite right but they are not going to investigate this party at downing street due to an absence of evidence and force policy not to investigate retrospective breaches of coronavirus regulations. this is entirely mine of statement we had at the weekend when they also reiterated this policy that with covid regulations and breaches of them, yes, they may still be prosecuting some cases but they only prosecute cases which they discover at the time. they do not investigate retrospectively. an important update and we will have more in the second half of outside source. hello there. the weather story is gradually quieting down as we go through the evening and overnight as storm barra finally leaves our shores. it still brought some rough seas today. across parts of north west wales, we had gusts of wind in excess of 50 mph. it was a quieter day, though, across eastern england with some brief glimpses of sunshine, albeit on the chilly side. now, the low pressure is gradually drifting its way steadily north and east, and we will start to see storm barra easing. one or two sharp showers still to clear away across england and wales. they'll do so over the next few hours, and then that's going to allow skies to clear in places. a touch of mist and fog forming towards dawn on thursday morning, maybe a touch of frost in sheltered rural areas as well. so, a chilly start to thursday, but there's certainly going to be a little bit more sunshine around and a quieter story. a few scattered showers across western scotland perhaps, but as we go through the afternoon, more significant rain moves into northern ireland, western fringes of scotland and gradually towards north west england and parts of the midlands. ahead of it, we keep some sunshine, but still those temperatures disappointing for this time of year. now, that weather front will continue to track its way steadily eastwards. it's going to bring some rain overnight and clear during friday morning. and then a northwesterly wind will take over on friday. that's going to drive in some showers. some of these will be wintry even at lower levels to begin with, but some showers across north west scotland and northern ireland, but elsewhere we'll have a little more sunshine, it'll be a relatively quiet day. but again still on the cool side. now, if you don't like these temperatures, well, i can offer you something a little bit milder as we start to head into the weekend, but it does come at a price. it might bring some rain as well. this low pressure will start to see the wind direction changing to a southwesterly. yes, it's going to bring some rain into the north and west for the weekend, but it will also bring a change to the feel of our weather. so, starting off dry, clouding over as we go through the day, outbreaks of rain the further north and west you are. but in terms of the feel of the things, we'll start to see those temperatures climbing. it will take its time in doing so, and in eastern england, perhaps still only around 6—7 degrees. milder still on sunday, but still the risk of some rain around. that's it, take care. hello, i'm ros atkins. this is 0utside source. the uk government has introduced tougher covid—19 restrictions to combat the new 0micron variant in england. most worryingly, there is evidence that the doubling time of the cron in the uk could currently be between two and three days. mask rules are changing. covid passes will be mandatory at night clubs, and people have been told to work from home if they can. scientists fear covid—19 hospitalisations could reach 1000 a day by the new year. another big story at downing street: borisjohnson's former press secretary resigns over this video. in it, shejokes about a christmas party during lockdown. to all of you who lost loved ones, who endured intolerable loneliness and who struggled with your businesses, i am truly sorry. we'll continue to look at the backlash at that video and the party at number 10 which the government says it's investigating despite repeatedly saying it never happened. and a new era in german politics as a new chancellor is sworn in, ending angela merkel�*s 16 years in power. we'll come back to outside source. in the last couple of hours it has been confirmed all parts of england are to be subject to new covid—19 measures trying to combat the latest rise in 0micron, the latest variant of covid—19. more shots and laid it out. of covid-19. more shots and laid it out. , ., . out. first we will in - reintroduce the guidance _ out. first we will in - reintroduce the guidance to _ out. first we will in - reintroduce the guidance to work— out. first we will in - reintroduce the guidance to work from - out. first we will in - reintroduce the guidance to work from home | out. first we will in - reintroduce. the guidance to work from home a second from this friday we will extend the legal requirement to wear a facemask to most indoor venues including pubs and cinemas. third we will make the covid—19 passed mandatory for entry into nightclubs and beanies were large crowds gather. we will give businesses a week's notice of this will come in to force in a weak�*s time. many other european countries have introduced measures similar to those the uk government are proposing now. in france, since the summer, people have had to show a health pass giving proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test allowing them to enter cafes, restaurants and cinemas and take long—distance trains. in germany, similar measures were introduces last month with respect to access to places such as restaurants or fitness centres. other countries have gone further. austria imposed lockdown rules which only apply to those who are not fully vaccinated. carlo martuscelli is the europe health reporter for politico, and joins me now from brussels. thank you very much indeed for your time. do you think other european countries may go even further than they already have as the cases increase? ~ they already have as the cases increase?— they already have as the cases increase? ~ ., ,, , ., , . increase? well, thank you very much for havin: increase? well, thank you very much for having me _ increase? well, thank you very much for having me on. _ increase? well, thank you very much for having me on. so, _ increase? well, thank you very much for having me on. so, i— increase? well, thank you very much for having me on. so, i would - increase? well, thank you very much for having me on. so, i would say- increase? well, thank you very much for having me on. so, i would say it. for having me on. so, i would say it is very— for having me on. so, i would say it is very likely — for having me on. so, i would say it is very likely countries will go further— is very likely countries will go further than they already have been. we should _ further than they already have been. we should keep in mind that right now the _ we should keep in mind that right now the uk is in a sense playing catch _ now the uk is in a sense playing catch up— now the uk is in a sense playing catch up with the rest of europe. you know. — catch up with the rest of europe. you know, the uk has had a somewhat hot, you know, the uk has had a somewhat hot. but _ you know, the uk has had a somewhat hot. but a _ you know, the uk has had a somewhat hot, but a steady rate of new cases for the _ hot, but a steady rate of new cases for the past — hot, but a steady rate of new cases for the past few months. meanwhile, we have _ for the past few months. meanwhile, we have seen this real wave rolling over europe, starting in the east and moving to austria and germany. adding _ and moving to austria and germany. adding omicron to it, i think emma makes— adding omicron to it, i think emma makes it— adding omicron to it, i think emma makes it very likely that even more restrictions— makes it very likely that even more restrictions are coming in. and makes it very likely that even more restrictions are coming in.- restrictions are coming in. and we know in america, _ restrictions are coming in. and we know in america, joe _ restrictions are coming in. and we know in america, joe biden - restrictions are coming in. and we know in america, joe biden has i restrictions are coming in. and we | know in america, joe biden has had major legal battles to bring in any type of mandatory vaccines or stricter rules around the use of vaccines. is the same thing likely to happen in europe or is already in europe? to happen in europe or is already in euroe? ~ . , to happen in europe or is already in euroe? ~ ., , ., europe? well, we have seen a progressive — europe? well, we have seen a progressive tightening - europe? well, we have seen a progressive tightening of- europe? well, we have seen a i progressive tightening of vaccine measures in europe, and i think eight _ measures in europe, and i think eight vaccine mandate is the logical way eight vaccine mandate is the logical wav that— eight vaccine mandate is the logical way that things are heading. we have seen 0taf— way that things are heading. we have seen olaf scholz, who i was ijust became _ seen olaf scholz, who i was ijust became chancellor, think about how he would _ became chancellor, think about how he would support the measure and we saw the _ he would support the measure and we saw the commission president saint discussions — saw the commission president saint discussions should be had vaccine mandates — discussions should be had vaccine mandates in europe. so, i would say it certainly— mandates in europe. so, i would say it certainly does look like we are heading — it certainly does look like we are heading that way. i would anticipate also a _ heading that way. i would anticipate also a lot _ heading that way. i would anticipate also a lot of resistance. we have seen _ also a lot of resistance. we have seen protests, some very harsh protests— seen protests, some very harsh protests already at lesser measures, so i protests already at lesser measures, so i could _ protests already at lesser measures, so i could imagine a vaccine mandate causing _ so i could imagine a vaccine mandate causing quite a lot of pushback. and we know causing quite a lot of pushback. we know one causing quite a lot of pushback. fific we know one of the causing quite a lot of pushback. fific we know one of the reasons that borisjohnson has acted is out of concern for the capacity for the national health service in england. do we have any assessments about health services in germany, france or italy are faring at the moment? how close are they to capacity? 50. how close are they to capacity? so, it really varies _ how close are they to capacity? so, it really varies country to country. in it really varies country to country. in germany, — it really varies country to country. in germany, we are having reports of hospitals _ in germany, we are having reports of hospitals totally filling up and intensive care units reaching capacity. _ intensive care units reaching capacity, which is remarkable given germany— capacity, which is remarkable given germany has the most intensive care capacity— germany has the most intensive care capacity in— germany has the most intensive care capacity in europe and we are actually— capacity in europe and we are actually seeing a reversal of what we saw _ actually seeing a reversal of what we saw at — actually seeing a reversal of what we saw at the very start of the pandemic— we saw at the very start of the pandemic with germany sending patients— pandemic with germany sending patients across the border over to itaiv _ patients across the border over to itaiv we — patients across the border over to italy. we have also seen similar scenes— italy. we have also seen similar scenes play out in the east of europe, — scenes play out in the east of europe, in— scenes play out in the east of europe, in romania. we note that the belgian— europe, in romania. we note that the belgian health service, for example, is under— belgian health service, for example, is under a _ belgian health service, for example, is under a lot of strain. sol belgian health service, for example, is under a lot of strain. so i think right— is under a lot of strain. so i think right now. — is under a lot of strain. so i think right now, and lot of the concern with omicron is not necessarily that it's going _ with omicron is not necessarily that it's going to — with omicron is not necessarily that it's going to be somehow devastating or particularly deadly, but just that it — or particularly deadly, but just that it is — or particularly deadly, but just that it is going to increase the strain— that it is going to increase the strain on— that it is going to increase the strain on health systems, which are already— strain on health systems, which are already really reaching their limits at least _ already really reaching their limits at least in — already really reaching their limits at least in some places.— at least in some places. carlo, fantastic to — at least in some places. carlo, fantastic to get _ at least in some places. carlo, fantastic to get you _ at least in some places. carlo, fantastic to get you on - at least in some places. carlo, fantastic to get you on the - fantastic to get you on the programme. thank you very much indeed and those of you watching can read his reporting on the politico website. . ~ read his reporting on the politico website. ., ,, , ., big news in india — the country's highest ranking military officer has been killed in a helicopter crash. this is general bipin rawat. he died alongside 12 others when the chopper went down in tamil nadu state. the bbc�*s south asia correspondent rajini vaidyanathan has the details. he was on board with his wife and a number of other defence officials. now, general rawat was the chief of the defence staff here in india, a very powerful role in the country, overseeing the army, the navy and the air force. it was a new role that was created in 2019, and general rawat was very close to india's prime minister, narendra modi, who has paid tribute to him today. in a series of tweets, prime minister modi described general rawat as a true patriot, an outstanding soldier and said he was deeply saddened by the news. he said that general rawat modernised india's armed forces and security apparatus and described him as exceptional. let's hear from a lieutenant general who worked alongside him. so, you know, he was very generous. he was very correct. he was very respectful. at the same time, you know, he completely knew his mind. he knew what's good in organisational interests, and he was, you know, one person who never flinched from taking tough and hard decisions. and i think we saw that particularly in his role as the chief of defence staff. this latest helicopter crash has raised growing concern over india's ageing air force fleet that has been blamed for a high number of crashes. here's the lieutenant general again. see, you know, every crash, every accident that takes place is worrying. and there is no doubt that there is an ageing fleet. we've been talking about replacement of helicopters for a very, very long time. ijust hope this tragedy, you know, spurs us into thinking a little more of modernisation. soldiers in myanmar have been accused of killing 13 people from one village in retaliation for bomb attacks on a military convoy. locals say militias targeted a road used by the military. they say the military captured six men and five teenage boys in retribution, shot them and set their bodies alight. the village is near the city of monywa in an area that has seen strong resistance to the military junta that seized power earlier this year. jonathan head has the details. well, even after the shocking levels of violence we've levels of violence we've seen in myanmar since the coup, this was a truly horrifying incident. it took place near monywa and near a controversial chinese—run copper mine which have embedded a tradition dissent and protest in this area. there were very big protests against the junta in monywa after the coup. a number of well—known figures there, including some poets, died resisting the military regime. and there have been clashes where villages have been emptied by military operations in the past few months. in this case, one of the local people's defence forces, these volunteer militias that have sprung up all over myanmar to fight against military regime, tried to ambush an army convoy that was going through with two improvised explosive devices. 0ne we believe detonated prematurely, killing the two volunteers who were trying to plant it. the other went off as planned, but the soldiers then went on a sweep through the local communities, killing a number of people as far as we can tell from the accounts given by local residents, and then coming across this group of six men and five teenage boys, one only 16 years old, who were hiding. they were captured, there was some shooting, so they may well have been shot. their hands were tied, and then they were set on fire and their burnt bodies were found later by theirfamilies. even so, the local residents have braved further military operations and come out to protest against what they see as yet another atrocity they're blaming on the regime. and it does showjust what extraordinary risks people in myanmar are willing to take to fight against the military regime, against formidable odds and what a terrible price they are being made to pay for it. for the next few minutes, we're going to look in more detail at where we're at with the downing street christmas party which took place in december 2020. late last year, staff in downing street staff were filmed asking two questions. would the prime minister condone having a christmas party? what was the answer? also late last year, covid was spiralling and borisjohnson had decided this. it is with a very heavy heart i must tell you we cannot continue with l christmas as planned. that was the 19th of december. by the 22nd, more than 10,000 covid deaths had been recorded that month. also on the 22nd, a rehearsal was taking place. number 10 had a new press secretary, allegra stratton. it had a new press briefing room, too. and allegra stratton was taking questions from colleagues who were playing the role ofjournalists. we know this because of a video obtained by itv news. i've just seen reports on twitter that there was a downing street christmas party on friday night. do you recognise those reports? i went home. laughter. hold on, hold on... uh... would the prime minister condone having a christmas party? what was the answer? "would the prime minister condone having a christmas party?" it was a relevant question. four days earlier, there had been a party in number 10. and ever since the mirror broke the story last week, we've had the chance to see what the prime minister thinks of that. first, mrjohnson took this approach. all guidance was followed - completely during number 10. no evidence, though, was offered. then the deputy prime minister was asked if the party had happened. what i know is that you've got, from all the sources you've referred to, unsubstantiated claims being made and all on the basis of anonymous sources. remember this was a party in number 10 and attended by number 10 staff. checking these claims would not be hard to do, then or now. next, another minister offered this defence. i don't even know if an event took place, but if it did, then no rules were broken. kit malthouse didn't know if it had happened, but if it had, it didn't break the rules. the prime minister's spokesman then went further. on monday, he insisted "there was not a party" at number 10. adding, "it's simply a statement of fact." then after the the itv video, he said, "there was no christmas party. covid rules have been followed at all times." again, no evidence was offered to back this up, and anger at the itv video was growing. jackie green's mum died from covid on the day of the december party. i think it's totally - reprehensible, actually. when i first saw it, _ i had no words, to be honest. at prime minister's questions, boris johnson found these words on the video. i apologise unreservedly for the offence that it has caused up and down the country, and i apologise for the impression that it gives. there were more apologies to come. allegra stratton, now an adviser to mrjohnson, was next. my remarks seemed to make light of the rules, rules of people were doing everything to obey. that was never my intention. i will regret those remarks for the rest of my days and offer my profound apologies to all of you home. allegra stratton also resigned, but her resignation is about the video. 0n the party, mrjohnson's latest response still doesn't match the available evidence. i have been repeatedly assured since these allegations emerged that there was no party and that no covid rules were broken, and that is what i have been repeatedly assured. this is a shift in language, from explicit denials to referencing assurances from others. but the fundamentals of number 10's message remain — no party, no breaking of the rules. and the opposition doesn't buy it. millions of people now i think the prime minister was taking them for fools. and that they were lied to. and while these political tussles play out, the focus on the party remains. the former number 10 adviser tim montgomerie asks of those who attended, "what were they thinking?" we don't yet know. but we know the party happened, and we're learning more about it. this week, the times reports that it's "understood to have been organised via a whatsapp group with staff asked to bring secret santa presents". we're told some of those present also wore christmas jumpers. the times' source added that there was a "proper spread" of food that people had brought along with alcohol. secret santa, christmas jumpers, a proper spread, and this is more from the itv video. what was the answer? i don't know... it wasn't a party, - it was cheese and wine. is cheese and wine all right? it was a business meeting. laughter. "it wasn't a party, it was cheese and wine." then they laugh. we don't know which event is being referenced here or if it's a joke. but cheese joke or not, it's worth us remembering the rules that "any party at downing street would have breached the government's guidelines at the time". and some tories are furious about what happened. angry, annoyed and really disappointed that all of this undermines the public trust that people have in the guidance they are being asked to follow and they did follow last year and that it looks like people in downing street didn't. in an effort to provide answers to those questions, the prime minister has also made this announcement. i have asked the cabinet secretary to establish all the facts and to report back as soon as possible. but mrjohnson has been repeatedly saying that there was no party, that no rules were broken. now he appears to have ordered an investigation to see if what he was saying is true. and as i finish, let's return to where we started. would the prime minister condone having a christmas party? - what was the answer? "what is the answer," allegra stratton asks. and over a week since we learned about this party, we're still waiting for the prime minister to tell us exactly what happened last december in downing street. stay with us on 0utside source. still to come, we'll tell you who is responsible for these growling sounds discovered underwater in indonesia. growling. the taliban's acting deputy education minister has told the bbc that girls would not be allowed to attend secondary school in afghanistan until a new education policy was approved. meanwhile, the un is warning of a rapid reversal of the rights of women and girls since the taliban took power four months ago. sana safi has this report. this is what most girls�* high schools look like since the taliban took control, and it�*s having a devastating impact. we have spoken to dozens of teachers and girls across a third of afghanistan�*s provinces to understand how their lives have changed. translation: i am 16 years old. not being able to study feels like a death penalty. i wanted to become a surgeon, but i�*m hopeless now. these days, i�*m doing nothing, i�*m lost. translation: i'm 17 years old. when i see my clothes and booksjust sitting in my cupboard without being used, i get very upset. i was dreaming of becoming a midwife, but these days, i'm frozen. but the school closures are not nationwide. despite the ban, a handful of provinces have resumed teaching. the northern city of mazar—i—sharif is one of the few places teenage girls can go to high school. translation: it doesn't feel the same as before, | groups of taliban fighters _ with large guns approach schoolgirls on the streets. they tell us to make sure our hair and mouths are not visible. - as a result, around a third of my- class have stopped coming to school. the taliban say they don�*t want to stop girls�* education. they�*re waiting for what they call a safe environment. in the meantime, they�*re shocked any girls�* schools are open at all. translation: i am surprised. officially we — translation: i am surprised. officially we have _ translation: i am surprised. officially we have not - translation: i am surprised. officially we have not given - translation: i am surprised. i officially we have not given them permission to reopen but we told soldiers not to stop girls by force. as a humanitarian crisis continues, school closures are just one of a growing list of problems girls face. this is 0utside source live from the bbc newsroom. 0ur lead story is — the uk has introduced tougher virus restrictions to slow the spread of the 0micron variant in england, including mask rules and a mandatory covid pass at big venues. now something we don�*t bring you everyday on 0utside source. i wonder if you can guess this sound. growling. that, in case you didn�*t guess, was a recording of fish growling, whooping and croaking on a coral reef in indonesia. the discovery was made using underwater microphones, which these researchers used to listen to the reef after it was re—seeded with new corals. and it�*s significant because we�*re told the sounds mean the coral is coming back to life. well, the diver in the picture you can see here is lead researcher dr tim lamont. and he�*s been speaking to the bbc. the fish continue to surprise and amaze us the longer we listen. we joke that the more we put our heads underwater and listen, the weirder it gets. and we�*re discovering almost every time we go out that the fish can make more and weirder and more diverse sounds we ever thought before. sound is a really important part of the lives of any underwater animal because sound travels so well underwater. these animals are using sound for all sorts of things in their everyday life, so some of the sounds you hear are them defending their territory, some of the sounds you hear are them trying to attract a mate, some of them are them communicating with each other. and so, you know, it�*s a really integral part of the functioning of the ecosystem, and that means by listening into this ecosystem, we can understand a lot more about the whole thing than we can if we only look. some of it is technological breakthroughs. it�*s becoming much easier as better and better underwater microphones are invented and we have more and more capacity to store and analyse and share these recordings. we�*re starting to understand more and more about the auditory world under the waves as well as we can just see. there is such a joy. there�*s a real, real sense of excitement when you are swimming around and you hear something and then you record it and you send it to a bunch of other experts around the world. and everyone has the same reaction, and we�*re all going, "we�*ve never heard this before. we don�*t know what this is." you know, it�*s just a sort of sense of discovery and sense of delight about that. well, it�*s only fair we end on some more growling fish. growling. there you though, something quite mesmeric about it, some grilling fish on a reef in indonesia. let�*s return to a story we have covered an awful lot the last of her so this downing street party last year. the metropolitan police put out this statement... it did say that the video obtained tjy it did say that the video obtained by itv does not provide evidence of a breach of health regulations and therefore the force would not commence an investigation and the statement goes on the police have received a certificate amount of correspondence relating to allegations reported in the media and as he would imagine a lot of people have been suggesting that complaints sent to the met and are acknowledging that. the background here is that while this is a specific statement on this case, the met has been clear throughout this story that it does not seek to retrospectively investigate cases of covid—19 rules breaches. so, the met police is also saying all of this correspondence has been considered but they have considered it and they say we are not investigating. that does not mean however that the story is going away. because amongst other things, borisjohnson has ordered an investigation into what did or did not happen back in december. a reminder of our top story we�*ve been covering for the hour here on the programme, not a dentistry party but the deal with new covid—19 rules for all parts of england. they are going to be in place very shortly to combat the rising number of cases of 0micron, which as you know is latest variant of coronavirus. plan b was intended to be enforced if the nhs intended to be enforced if the nhs in england was under unsustainable pressure and evidently that calculation has been made. the plan includes the reintroduction of some distancing measures and the wearing of masks being compulsory in some settings. the government has also asked people to work from home where possible and it will also be introducing vaccine passports for entry to some places and events. a number of different things coming in and here is a little of what we heard from the prime minister earlier. ., , , , heard from the prime minister earlier. ., , ,, ., . earlier. the remorseless logic -based mental— earlier. the remorseless logic -based mental growth - earlier. the remorseless logic -based mental growth could l earlier. the remorseless logic i -based mental growth could lead earlier. the remorseless logic - -based mental growth could lead to a —based mental growth could lead to a big rise in hospitalisations and therefore sadly in death. and that�*s why this of the proportionate responsible thing to move to plan b in england while continuing to work closely with our colleagues in the devolved administrations so we slow the spread of the virus. buying ourselves the time to get yet more boosters into arms and especially in the older and more vulnerable people and understand the answers to the key outstanding questions about 0micron. irate key outstanding questions about omicron. ~ ., ., ., omicron. we also heard from the government's _ omicron. we also heard from the government's chief _ omicron. we also heard from the government's chief scientific - government�*s chief scientific adviser who said the 0micron variant is mutation that would�*ve been expected. is mutation that would've been exected. . is mutation that would've been exected. , , .,, is mutation that would've been exected. , , , ., ., expected. this virus has beheaded a lot, expected. this virus has beheaded a lot. quickly- — expected. this virus has beheaded a lot. quickly- and _ expected. this virus has beheaded a lot, quickly. and that _ expected. this virus has beheaded a lot, quickly. and that is _ expected. this virus has beheaded a lot, quickly. and that is sort - expected. this virus has beheaded a lot, quickly. and that is sort of - lot, quickly. and that is sort of what _ lot, quickly. and that is sort of what you — lot, quickly. and that is sort of what you would expect at this stage the user— what you would expect at this stage the user to — what you would expect at this stage the user to see more mutations. this one has— the user to see more mutations. this one has got— the user to see more mutations. this one has got a — the user to see more mutations. this one has got a lot more than anyone thought— one has got a lot more than anyone thought would arrive that quickly. and that's — thought would arrive that quickly. and that's what has caused so many concerns— and that's what has caused so many concerns about it. what we are on is a road _ concerns about it. what we are on is a road from — concerns about it. what we are on is a road from pandemic to endemic, where _ a road from pandemic to endemic, where this— a road from pandemic to endemic, where this becomes a more sort of regular— where this becomes a more sort of regular infection like flu or something over time but we are in a sort of— something over time but we are in a sort of bumpy transition for that. bumpy— sort of bumpy transition for that. bumpy transition is the phrase the government�*s adviser is using was a government you can get much more information on this story via the website and also if you want to see reports that we post from the programme, you can get along versions on bbc iplayer and if you were in the uk as well as the news category and if you want audio versions, subscribe where you are in the world on bbc sounds or if you would like clips from the programme, follow me on twitter and you will pick them all up. that is it for this addition, thanks for watching, see you soon. hello there. the weather story is gradually quieting down as we go through the evening and overnight as storm barra finally leaves our shores. it still brought some rough seas today. across parts of north west wales, we had gusts of wind in excess of 50 mph. it was a quieter day, though, across eastern england with some brief glimpses of sunshine, albeit on the chilly side. now, the low pressure is gradually drifting its way steadily north and east, and we will start to see storm barra easing. one or two sharp showers still to clear away across england and wales. they�*ll do so over the next few hours, and then that�*s going to allow skies to clear in places. a touch of mist and fog forming towards dawn on thursday morning, maybe a touch of frost in sheltered rural areas as well. so, a chilly start to thursday, but there�*s certainly going to be a little bit more sunshine around and a quieter story. a few scattered showers across western scotland perhaps, but as we go through the afternoon, more significant rain moves into northern ireland, western fringes of scotland and gradually towards north west england and parts of the midlands. ahead of it, we keep some sunshine, but still those temperatures disappointing for this time of year. now, that weather front will continue to track its way steadily eastwards. it�*s going to bring some rain overnight and clear during friday morning. and then a northwesterly wind will take over on friday. that�*s going to drive in some showers. some of these will be wintry even at lower levels to begin with, but some showers across north west scotland and northern ireland, but elsewhere we�*ll have a little more sunshine, it�*ll be a relatively quiet day. but again still on the cool side. now, if you don�*t like these temperatures, well, i can offer you something a little bit milder as we start to head into the weekend, but it does come at a price. it might bring some rain as well. this low pressure will start to see the wind direction changing to a southwesterly. yes, it�*s going to bring some rain into the north and west for the weekend, but it will also bring a change to the feel of our weather. so, starting off dry, clouding over as we go through the day, outbreaks of rain the further north and west you are. but in terms of the feel of the things, we�*ll start to see those temperatures climbing. it will take its time in doing so, and in eastern england, perhaps still only around 6—7 degrees. milder still on sunday, but still the risk of some rain around. that�*s it, take care. this is bbc news. the headlines at 8pm... in a bid to tackle the 0micron variant of coronavirus, the prime minister has announced new restrictions in england.