We will hear about another Christmas Party in norway that led to the biggest Omicron Outbreak in europe, and from south africa where scientists have spent the last two weeks testing the vaccines against this new variant. Good evening. Borisjohnson has moved england to plan b in an effort to stop the spread of the omicron variant. From monday people will be encouraged to work from home wherever possible. But more immediately from Friday Facemasks will have be worn in most public indoor venues. That includes theatres, cinemas, and restaurants. And the Nhs Covid Pass will now be mandatory for nightclubs and other venues with large crowds. Remorseless logic of exponential growth could lead to a big rise in hospitalisations and therefore, sadly, and deaths. In hospitalisations and therefore, sadly, in deaths. And thats why its now the proportionate and the 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, buy ourselves the time to get yet more boosters into arms and especially into the older and more vulnerable people, and understand the answers to the key outstanding questions about omicron. The Prime Minister said we cant yet assume that the omicron is less severe than other variants. In fact professor chris whitty, the chief medical officer, released data tonight that shows in england the number of Omicron Cases is rising exponentially. As you can see, whether you look at the absolute count or the percentage, this is going up incredibly fast now. And as the Prime Minister has said, this is doubling at this point in time, it may slow down and the aim of the measure is announced by the Prime Minister is to slow things down, but its doubling currently between two and three every two and three days. But there is no escaping the timing of todays announcement. For Weeks Borisjohnson has denied rumours that a Christmas Party was held in Downing Street, at this time last year, when london was under tier 3 restrictions. At the time, gatherings of more than two or more people were banned, as were Christmas Parties. Senior ministers have consistently denied that any rules were broken. But now we have the video. A recording from last year, in which his team are seen joking and laughing about the party they had been to in downing st four days earlier. There are references to cheese and wine and you will hear mrjohnson� s spokesperson allegra stratton, openly admitting there was no social distancing. There was a Downing Street Christmas Party friday night, do you recognise those reports . I went home. Today at Prime Ministers questions borisjohnson was forced to apologise. But that didnt spare him from some withering attacks from the opposition benches. I understand and share the anger up and down the country at seeing number ten staff seeming to make light of lockdown measures. And i can understand how infuriating it must be to think that the people who have been setting the rules have not been following the rules, mr speaker, because i was also furious to see that clip. And mr speaker, i apologise, i apologise unreservedly for the offence that it has caused up and down the country, and i apologise for the impression that it gives. And shortly after the Prime Ministers statement to the house, Alegra Stratton his former communications secretary, offered her resignation. The british people have made immense sacrifices in the ongoing battle against covid 19. I now fear that my comments in the leaked video of The 20th Of December Last Year has become a distraction in that fight. My remarks seemed to make 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 you who lost loved ones, who endured intolerable loneliness and who struggled with your businesses, i am truly sorry. So does it change our behaviour when those in charge dont appear to follow the rules . Professor Stephen Reisher is a psychologist who has been a member of the Sage Subcommittee advising on behavioural science. Doctor, good to happy with us this evening. New guidelines. What difference does this story make to whether the public follows them or not . ~. , � , not . Well, it doesnt help. Certainly not . Well, it doesnt help. Certainly it not . Well, it doesnt help. Certainly it leads not . Well, it doesnt help. Certainly it leads to not . Well, it doesnt help. Certainly it leads to loss i not . Well, it doesnt help. Certainly it leads to loss of not . Well, it doesnt help. Certainly it leads to loss of trust, we saw last after the Dominant Cummings affair that the trust in the uk government specifically the uk government, not the scottish and welsh governments, they were to about 20 down, so wed lose trust. So when it comes to actual behaviour, its a bit more capitated. For instance, some people will obviously use these breaking of the rules by authority as an excuse to do so themselves. It doesnt necessarily change their minds, it just gives them an excuse to act in that way. For many people, what you begin to find is that people started hearing not because of but despite the government, so many of those were most angry at Dominic Cummings where most likely to adhere and say we are not like that. We are prepared to do the right thing by our communities. Throughout the pandemic, what we have seen is probably a closer tracking of Public Opinion and public demand to the sign stand by the government. When things are more serious, people went there to be measures to protect them. And things are more serious, they are more prepared to go along with those things themselves. I think we will still find reasonably high levels of adherence, but the problem we have got is that it happens despite the government. An interNational Crisis, the governments job is to lead the response, not to act in ways in absence of its response. Is response, not to act in ways in absence of its response. Is trusting science more absence of its response. Is trusting science more important absence of its response. Is trusting science more important than absence of its response. Is trusting l science more important than trusting politicians . Science more important than trusting oliticians . ,. , politicians . Trusting science is very important politicians . Trusting science is very important indeed. Politicians . Trusting science is very important indeed. The. Politicians . Trusting science is i very important indeed. The good politicians . Trusting science is very important indeed. The good news is that trusting scientists is very high. And in our own data, what we find is that trust in politicians is actually low enough that it makes very little difference. Trust in scientists is critical, because if you stop believing there is a pandemic, then, of course, you ask yourself why is it worth doing anything at all . As i say, there are still things which lead to adherence, by and large, the public follows the science, trust the scientists. At the government should be, interNational Crisis, contributed to that, not absent thing itself from that. Can contributed to that, not absent thing itself from that. Thing itself from that. Can we ex lore thing itself from that. Can we exnlore that thing itself from that. Can we explore that issue thing itself from that. Can we explore that issue of thing itself from that. Can we explore that issue of trust. I l thing itself from that. Can we explore that issue of trust. I think for a lot of people, people are sensible enough to know that people will break the rules. But what i think angered a lot of people about the Dominic Cummings affair and probably this affair as well is not the incident in isolation, its the way the government reacted to it. Would that be right . You way the government reacted to it. Would that be right . Way the government reacted to it. Would that be right . You are right. If ou look would that be right . You are right. If you look at would that be right . You are right. If you look at the would that be right . You are right. If you look at the literature would that be right . You are right. If you look at the literature more. If you look at the literature more generally on scandals, its very often the response, the cover up rather than the act itself. So Dominic Cummings did indeed break the rules, and had hejust broken the rules, and had hejust broken the rules, and had hejust broken the rules, it wouldve been an individual act. When it was defended ijy individual act. When it was defended by the pre minister who said it was perfectly understandable, that he wouldnt criticise Dominic Cummings, it became something systemic, a matter of them and us, the government from the authorities began to be seen as the den, and one of the basic rules of influence is that we are less likely to be influenced by people who we think of as then then the people we think of as then then the people we think of as ice. So this notion have been and ice is extremely corrosive of trust. A counter example, which i think is quite interesting is about the same time at the Dominic Cummings affair, there was an affair in scotland with there was an affair in scotland with the chief medical officer broke the resident visited her so, again, an individual act of Someone Senior who had broken the rules, but in that instance, the Scottish Government didnt defend it, they criticised it and it didnt turn into a sense of them and us and that trust in the Scottish Government did not decline. In many ways, calling the Dominic Cummings affair the Dominic Cummings affair isa affair the Dominic Cummings affair is a misnomer. Its more thejohnson affair because of the way in which the government systematically defended it, therefore created that divide between authority and the public and what you want in a pandemic is a sense of the authorities are on the side of the public and that they are in it together with the public. If you undermine that, you undermine one of the crucial bonds which leads to trust and influence with respect. So in conclusion, are you saying that this government is undermining the things we need to make us safe . It things we need to make us safe . It makes us less capable and less effective in being able to communicate with us and being able to advise us and being able to guide us. When you are in a National Crisis he went a government that can guide you through and out of what is happening and sadly that has been undermined by these behaviours. Doctor, gratefulfor undermined by these behaviours. Doctor, grateful for your time thank you very much. At his Press Conference tonight the Prime Minister again insisted he had not been told about Downing Street party. And he tried move the conversation to the new restrictions that were being introduced. But all the reporters questions came back to the same point. Why should the public follow the rules he is setting down, when Downing Street staff have consistently ignored them. How can you stand at that lectern exactly where some of your team laughed and joked about covid rules and tell people they must now follow your new instructions . Can i ask how worried you are about whether this undermines public trust, because the polling suggests that it does do. Doesnt it lead to your leadership being questioned if other areas. Being questioned if others are taking responsibility for things that happen in this place instead i of you taking responsibility . Lets consider the political fallout tonight. Christopher hope is chief Political Correspondent and Assistant Editor at the daily telegraph. Chris, good to see you. Talk to me about the Prime Ministers various statements today. Do you have a better understanding of what is unfolding . Better understanding of what is unfoldin . ~. , better understanding of what is unfoldin . ~ ~. , better understanding of what is unfoldinu . ~ ,. ,. , unfolding . Well, kind of. Clearly, we had seen unfolding . Well, kind of. Clearly, we had seen the unfolding . Well, kind of. Clearly, we had seen the statement unfolding . Well, kind of. Clearly, l we had seen the statement today, unfolding . Well, kind of. Clearly, we had seen the statement today, he said earlier in Prime Minister us questions that he was told that all rules are followed. He said that earlier in the week they were all followed. It now transpires that the party was probably as a departmental party was probably as a departmental party with Morejunior Party was probably as a departmental party with more junior people party was probably as a departmental party with morejunior people in number ten. Party with morejunior people in numberten. But party with morejunior people in number ten. But they got into a mess about is not really interrogating the information when the story first broke at the daily mirror last wednesday, and then cara starmer asked a hard question about it, and you have a lot of his colleagues in parliament and the cabinet i should say who defended the government to this. Kier starmer. Defended that pm and said lets move on. But a transpires, guess what, there was a party, it reminds me of the Horse Gait Cycle which i was involved with with David Cameron when i repeatedly asked him if he had ridden a horse with Rebecca Brooks at the time of the Phone Hacking Crisis injuring the Phone Hacking Crisis injuring the links between the government and the links between the government and the tablet there. Eventually, they announced it. It becomes a kind of snowball effect. If they had been clear on this a week ago and said there was a small party, junior staff were involved, we are investigating. Ability of gone away very quickly. Instead, undermining the entire messaging on a big day, a big day when we, the government is imposing all sorts of restrictions on your viewers and our readers, some of which are very unpopular, i imagine. Some of which are very unpopular, i imauine. � ,. , , imagine. Bigger questions, chris, the have imagine. Bigger questions, chris, they have been imagine. Bigger questions, chris, they have been for imagine. Bigger questions, chris, they have been for several imagine. Bigger questions, chris, | they have been for several months but the competence and organisation within Downing Street. There are backbenchers who are saying that there seems to be this extraordinary inability with a number ten at the moment to think through the consequences that if we say ask, what will happen if y takes place. Who is it that is ultimately to lane for that . �. , who is it that is ultimately to lane for that . 1,. , who is it that is ultimately to lane forthat . For that . Boris johnson will say he is to blame. For that . Boris johnson will say he is to blame, his for that . Boris johnson will say he is to blame, his advisers, for that . Boris johnson will say he is to blame, his advisers, he for that . Boris johnson will say he is to blame, his advisers, he hires and fires and hires, thats hisjob. Its a question of bandwidth. This pandemic is a once in a century test on any government. They are trying to do their own thing, they have been trying to talk about crime all week, havent they command justice in the community, because of the needs of the pm out and about in a prison, Orwearing Needs of the pm out and about in a prison, or wearing a beanie hat on a drugs raid on monday or tuesday, but very quickly its been taken over by other events. You cant really shape government. They are trying to bring it back to what they want to talk about and it goes off into a different direction. It needs to be a bigger strategy, probably more grown ups in the room, big people, big figures who can tell the Prime Minister like it is. Currently those around him are in play to be there. There is no one who could just say, look, ive known you for decades, dont do that, that is ridiculous. The kind of comments that he needs. Mp said today, the parents are away and the kids had a party, thats what happened. Is and the kids had a party, thats what happened. And the kids had a party, thats what ha ened. ,. ,. ,. ,. , what happened. Is going to ask about that. The what happened. Is going to ask about that they have what happened. Is going to ask about that. They have sent what happened. Is going to ask about that. They have sent them what happened. Is going to ask about that. They have sent them out that. They have sent them out today to apologise, there was no other way forward once the video had come out. He is insisting and still insisting that he knew nothing about the party. A party that was under his roof that his chief staffers were at. Are we supposed to believe that . And how worried are you that somewhere down the line if and when somewhere down the line if and when some of these staffers are let go, one of them comes back and says, well, we told you about it. That could happen. Well, we told you about it. Trust could happen, couldnt . We dont know who is left . Others may follow. He appears to be saying hes got his advisers, he is forming a ring around himself, a human shield, if you like of advisers who will have to take the bullets and when it comes back, and Inquiry Pride will be published. The police ate snake they dont investigate historical breaches of health regulations, but if anyway came up, they would look at it again committing evidence and will look at it again. He got Dominic Cummings the Chief Adviser trying to cause trouble on Twitter Holding some kind of 0 a, Ask Me Anything on friday on the internet, so its not going to go away, and there is someone who is leaking stuff here, someone leaked that video to itv news. Someone wants to get the truth out there. Maybe that is right because if there was a degree of the party, even a small one fall statement. The degree of the party, even a small one fall statement. One fall statement. The pulse toniuht, one fall statement. The pulse tonight, majority one fall statement. The pulse tonight, majority of one fall statement. The pulse tonight, majority of voters,. One fall statement. The pulse i tonight, majority of voters, 5396 one fall statement. The pulse tonight, majority of voters, 5396 can tonight, majority of voters, 53 can one paul, think the Prime Minister should resign. Thats up five from a fortnight ago. It is an opinion poll. What will be waiting for Downing Street is that 35 of conservative voters think this pay minister should resign, conservative voters think this pay ministershould resign, ill conservative voters think this pay minister should resign, ill be at that 49 think he should stay. The reason i put that to you is because he has a very important by election coming up in North Shropshire. Is that a test, do we think of the permits ares popularity . Yes. We will see in the permits ares popularity . Yes. We will see in the liberal permits ares popularity . Yes. We will see in the Liberal Democrat. Permits ares popularity . Yes. We will see in the Liberal Democrat to | will see in the Liberal Democrat to attack ads being pushed around social media, they are trying to aim them at shropshire, being seen by people here. They are trying to hit at the heart of the North Shropshire voters. The lib dems hope they can take advantage. I was struck by that interview today for alex for a site before the news, i know that area quite well, they did another politics and they are not going to be swayed by some hubbub in london about parties are not parties. There are wider issues about tax and migration. I do wonder whether universities, the concern about tax, cost of living, i wonder if those issues are the ones that matter more than a party that may or may not happen. Than a party that may or may not ha en. ,. ,. Than a party that may or may not hauen. ,. ,. , than a party that may or may not hauen. ,. ,. , ~ , happen. One to watch. Thank you very much indeed stay with us on bbc news, still to come a new chancellor and a new era for germany as olaf scholz takes over from angela merkel. The governments chief scientific advisor sir Patrick Vallance was asked in the number ten briefing in relation to the Downing Street party whether he was concerned whether the public would follow the new restrictions. The measures work because people follow them, and that has been shown time and time again during this. Its important that everyone follows that from everybody. Its important throughout and will be important going forward. It only works if we all do it. Now seeing a viral variant that is rapidly progressing, its got the doubling time between two and three days, and measures need to be taken to try and slow the spread of that variant as well as command i think this is important, a all boosting our own defences by getting a boosterjab, so i think the rules are quite carefully thought through and given Scientific Evidence and they are there because they are important and they are there for everybody to stick to. A court in minnesota has been hearing Opening Statements in the trial of a former Minneapolis Police officer who fatally shot Daunte Wright during a routine traffic stop, earlier this year. Officer Kimberly Potter is facing 10 years injailforfirst and Second Degree manslaughter. The 20 year Old Black Man was killed just a few miles from where the former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin was on Trialfor Killing george floyd. Potter is pleading not guilty, shes told investigators the shooting was the result of her pulling her gun, instead of her taser. We have the footage of that traffic stop, which i should warn you is distressing. Ijust shot him. Oh, wow. Im joined now by nekima levy armstrong, attorney and civiljustice activist, former naacp president for minneapolis thank you very much for coming on the programme. This case led to several days of protest in minneapolis, and it reignited a conversation about traffic stops and the excessive use of force against people of colour. I imagine those arguments are going to be centre stage in this trial. Stage in this trial. Well, i know that those stage in this trial. Well, i know that those arguments stage in this trial. Well, i know that those arguments are stage in this trial. Well, i know that those arguments are a stage in this trial. Well, i know i that those arguments are a centre stage outside of the trial, but it remains an open question as to whether or not to prosecute its will bring up the issue of race and racial profiling. We know that as a strategy, they may want to step away from a focus on race and calling in specifically on the conduct of Tenant Totter on the date in question. Tenant totter on the date in question Tenant Totter on the date in cuestion. ~. , ,. ,. , question. Who benefits from that video that we question. Who benefits from that video that we just question. Who benefits from that video that we just saw . Question. Who benefits from that video that we just saw . Well, question. Who benefits from that video that we just saw . Well, i i video that we ust saw . Well, i think that video that we ust saw . Well, i think that the video that we just saw . Well, i think that the Prosecution Video that we just saw . Well, i think that the prosecution benefits from that video because it shows that clearly dante wright was not posing a threat to the officers in question. There could have been an opportunity for a De Escalation in that situation or even letting him as a young person drive off and then later showing up at his home, if they were trying to apprehend him for a warrant. Dante wright attempting to drive five should not have resulted in a death sentence, as we saw in this case. He deserves due process and the opportunity to live to tell his story. Shatter due process and the opportunity to live to tell his story. Live to tell his story. After firing the weapon live to tell his story. After firing the weapon you live to tell his story. After firing the weapon you hear live to tell his story. After firing the weapon you hear that live to tell his story. After firing | the weapon you hear that officer Potter Yelling Holy Expletives Date Net Expletive i shot him. But does not spare him from a custodial sentence . Not spare him from a custodial sentence . ,. ,. , sentence . Not necessarily, no. The Prosecution Sentence . Not necessarily, no. The prosecution is sentence . Not necessarily, no. The prosecution is not sentence . Not necessarily, no. The prosecution is not claiming sentence . Not necessarily, no. The prosecution is not claiming that sentence . Not necessarily, no. The| prosecution is not claiming that kim potter acted with intentionality and terms of trying to kill dante wright. But they are saying that her actions were reckless, as well as unreasonable in terms of even, you know, pulling out a gun and not knowing it wasnt kind, giving the neck given her 26 year history as a police officer, she was also a Field Training officer, and she had extensive training on how to effectively use a taser. Beyond that, the taser ways half of what the black suede that was on her dominant side, which was her right sights. So she should have known better than to pull out a gun claiming it was a taser and taking the life of a 20 year old man unnecessarily. The life of a 20 yearold man unnecessarily. The life of a 20 yearold man unnecessaril. ,. , , unnecessarily. The defence attorneys has already told unnecessarily. The defence attorneys has already told one unnecessarily. The defence attorneys has already told one of unnecessarily. The defence attorneys has already told one of the has already told one of the prospective jurors that kim potter will take the stand. That will be a crucial moment in the trial. I crucial moment in the trial. I agree. We saw how effective that strategy was in the case of Kyle Rittenhouse where he took the stand, he wept, and i believe thatjerry had compassion on him. I think that kim potter is hoping that she can draw an empathetic response to jurors, that she will say she made a mistake and that should not result in prison time from her perspective. I think that she might be an empathetic witness, given how distraught she was in the aftermath of the shooting, but at the same time, the generators need to hone in on the fact that she created an unreasonable risk when she pulled out that gun and fired and shot Daunte Wright in the chest and could have shot the passenger in the car or one of her fellow Police Officers. Or one of her fellow Police Officers or one of her fellow Police Officers. , ~. ,. ,. , officers. Talk to me about the ury. Atain, we officers. Talk to me about the ury. Again, we talked i officers. Talk to me about the ury. Again, we talked about i officers. Talk to me about the ury. Again, we talked about the h officers. Talk to me about the jury. Again, we talked about the jury again, we talked about the jury make up in the trial in georgia. Ilt jurors including two alternates, seven white men and four white women, two asian women and one black woman. What does that say to you . I woman. What does that say to you . I think its concerning when there is a lack of diversity on these juries. So in this case, we know that only one of the jurors is an African American person, and that raises a lot of concern in terms of the underlying racial issues that we know are present in this case, but that might not be articulated from the prosecutions perspective. We will leave it there. Hopefully well come back and talk to us as the trial progresses, because it is certainly one that people around america and indeed Around The World will be watching. Thank you very much indeed. Will be watching. Thank you very much indeed. Lets l much indeed. Thank you. Lets lit hten much indeed. Thank you. Lets lighten the much indeed. Thank you. Lets lighten the mood much indeed. Thank you. Lets lighten the mood a much indeed. Thank you. Lets lighten the mood a little, much indeed. Thank you. Letsj lighten the mood a little, shall much indeed. Thank you. Lets lighten the mood a little, shall we . Underwater now, where scientists who eavesdropped on a restored coral reef in indonesia say their recordings of fish whooping, Croaking And Growling are the reef coming back to life. Groaning. 0h, oh, yes, oh, yes. I love what youve done with the place. Fabulous. Over a decade, Sunak The Reef has been re seeded with new corals. The researchers used Underwater Microphones to record at the site. And these sounds some of which have never been recorded before provide an audible measure of the health of the reef. Oh, a contest, oh, and an enemy. I never thought you would be back. There you go. Sounds of a coral reef. To stay with us. Around the world focusing on the omicron variant. We will go to norway where they have a spike in covert cases and to south africa, simeon Important New Research on how it responds to the vaccine. Do stay with us for that. Plenty more to come on the programme. 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. Theyll do so over the next few hours, and then thats 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 theres 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. Its going to bring some rain overnight and clear during friday morning. And then a northwesterly wind will take over on friday. Thats 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 well have a little more sunshine, itll be a relatively quiet day. But again still on the cool side. Now, if you dont 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, its 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, well 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. Thats it, take care. This is bbc news with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and Around The World. Covid restrictions are being tightened in england, with home working encouraged and mask wearing extended as the Government Faces criticism over a party held at Downing Street during last years lockdown. What can the uk learn from the Omicron Outbreaks in other countries . Well head to south africa and norway to hear what scientist make of the new variant. The former boyfriend of one of the women accusing Ghislaine Maxwell off six trafficking, takes the stand in manhatten. And will this structure the are building on a Granite Outcrop in tasmania provide the answers that future generations will be searching on Climate Change. Welcome back. The Prime Minister, Borisjohnson Has announced he is introducing tighter restrictions to tackle the threat from the omicron variant. Under plan b people in england will be asked to work from home where possible. There will be a greater requirement to wear masks in all indoor settings, and a Vaccine Passport will be required for access to larger venues. England is not alone. Denmark announced it is closing schools early and limiting all nightlife in the run Up To Christmas and norway today hit an all time high of new covid cases. The World Health Organization says while it is likely that omicron is more transmissible than previous variants, it is also highly unlikely to completely evade vaccine protections. I would expect that currently have will show efficacy against similar disease and hospitalization. We have to measure that and confirm that thats the case and we also have to confirm if theres any Lasting Impact protection. But i would expect to see some protection there. As michael ryan says there is still an awful lot we dont know about this new variant. But some of the scientific studies are delivering results. Today pfizer announced those who have had a third booster will largely be protected from the omicron variant, as effectively as those with two doses fought off the original strain. In south Africa Research showed antibodies from the Pfizer Vaccine were around lto times less effective against omicron. But the study found antibodies from people who had been vaccinated as well as those naturally infected with covid were still effective which reinforces this idea that boosting antibodies with a third dose will be critical. Lets talk to alex sigal, professor at the Africa Health Research Institute in south africa. He did this research over the last few weeks. In terms of whether the symptoms or whether people who get this virus have symptoms are not, does that depend on how recently they had been vaccinated . We dont know that directly, they had been vaccinated . We dont know that directly, so they had been vaccinated . We dont know that directly, so right they had been vaccinated . We dont know that directly, so right now know that directly, so right now what we have is how that antibodies are able to neutralize or shutdown the virus and we know that they are neutralizing immunity and probably previous infections. It will take a hit. Theres no doubt about that. The more antibody youve got the better. And so we saw people who were previously infected and and were previously infected and and were vaccinated with two doses of pfizer and while their ability to neutralize the virus went down, he did not go down to very low levels. So if you are high in terms of your ability to tackle this Virus Antibodies you cut down lower but you still have a question. If youve vaccinate some time ago and he werent boosted and we did not test directly ourselves i think natural infections does something similar. Then you may not be as well protected or maybe not protected from infection. We protected or maybe not protected from infection. Protected or maybe not protected from infection. We talk a lot on the news about from infection. We talk a lot on the news about antibodies from infection. We talk a lot on the news about antibodies and from infection. We talk a lot on the news about antibodies and how from infection. We talk a lot on the | news about antibodies and how they are blue state and how they waiting and we dont talk a lot about t cells and t cells are the memory cells and t cells are the memory cells in the body that recognize incoming viruses. Need to do any research on that and whether in fact that vaccines had created enough t cells to prove an effect . T that vaccines had created enough t cells to prove an effect . Cells to prove an effect . T cells work differently. Cells to prove an effect . T cells work differently. Antibodies cells to prove an effect . T cells| work differently. Antibodies like cells to prove an effect . T cells i work differently. Antibodies like to abide certain bits of their virus despite protein which is the way that for various uses to get into sales by t cells are binding all over the place not only the spike but they recognizing different areas of the virus and much more difficult to mutate away from them. So its likely that i would t cell immunity was left intact and that argues for protection against more severe disease and once youre vaccinated. Another argument for vaccination. You said when he published his research the other day that you thought it was very positive which is odd giving us your telling us its a variance which doesnt escape some of the vaccine. Did you feel you started this research it could be far worse . You started this research it could be far worse . Taking a look at this stuff it looks be far worse . Taking a look at this stuff it looks like be far worse . Taking a look at this stuff it looks like frankensteins i stuff it looks like frankensteins monster. Theres a whole bunch of mutations and quantities weve never seen before. If together in combinations we have not seen before but it turned out its not hugely different. Its the same type of virus and it has not changed the receptor and it certainly escapes and its a problem and theyre able to address at the tools we already have and we dont need to now it would be good to develop new vaccines specifically but its not completely necessary right now. Anywhere there is no time. This is a small study, but the feeling is maybe Omicron Ismaiel there and its symptoms than delta. It milderfor people who have not been vaccinated and who have not had covid i9 previously oil what they experience the full effects of covid i9 in the same way people who contracted other variants are found . The same way people who contracted other variants are found . Variants are found . The my is still out variants are found . The My Is Sttu Out of i variants are found . The my is still out of that d variants are found . The my is still out of that and h variants are found . The my is still out of that and its h variants are found . The jury is still out of that and its very i still out of that and its very early to tell exactly what the Disease Severity is so we are just starting as Infection Rate in south africa. My laboratory has been tracking of viruses which were evolving here and what we saw is this evolution happens in single individuals so in one person over a long time and i would take on it is if thats the case you may not necessarily have a virus thats extremely pathogenic but it would be none that can be pathogenic but the sentiment could act. Time none that can be pathogenic but the sentiment could act. Sentiment could act. Time will tell if this infection sentiment could act. Time will tell if this infection will sentiment could act. Time will tell if this infection will be sentiment could act. Time will tell if this infection will be milder if this infection will be milder than other variants he had seen. Irate than other variants he had seen. We dont than other variants he had seen. Dont know yet. Than other variants he had seen. We dont know yet. I than other variants he had seen. We dont know yet. I need than other variants he had seen. We dont know yet. I need to than other variants he had seen. We dont know yet. I need to move than other variants he had seen. We dont know yet. I need to move on, | dont know yet. I need to move on, there is one dont know yet. I need to move on, there is one burning dont know yet. I need to move on, there is one burning question dont know yet. I need to move on, there is one burning question i dont know yet. I need to move on, there is one burning question i got| there is one burning question i got it ismaiel there does not necessarily mean that covid i9 is getting progressively milder . Will the next variants be milder scale and is a good thing . The next variants be milder scale and is a good thing . Thats what we ho te and is a good thing . Thats what we ho e and and is a good thing . Thats what we hope and discontent and is a good thing . Thats what we hope and discontent only and is a good thing . Thats what we hope and discontent only happen i and is a good thing . Thats what we | hope and discontent only happen but we dont know if its happening yet. Its a bit too early to tell and we dont want to Say Something like that and be off base. Dont want to Say Something like that and be off base. When you find out, come back that and be off base. When you find out, come back to that and be off base. When you find out, come back to us, that and be off base. When you find out, come back to us, we that and be off base. When you find out, come back to us, we would that and be off base. When you find l out, come back to us, we would love to hear. Thank you very much. As we mentioned, norway, is the country dealing with the biggest rise in cases, which is largely down to a sharp outbreak of the omicron variant. And a lot of it can be traced to one Christmas Party. We appear to be talking a lot about Christmas Parties tonight. This one was held two weeks ago in an oslo restaurant. 120 people who attended that event have since tested positive for covid, and around half of them screened positive for omicron. Since then there has been Significant Community spread and today norway hit an all time high of covid infections, with 5000 daily cases. Lets bring in per Helge Maseide who is a doctor in a hospital outside oslo. Thank you for coming. Everyone who was at that Christmas Party today was at that Christmas Party today was double vaccinated and they had an antigen test and it still got through. An antigen test and it still got throuth. , v an antigen test and it still got throuth. , fl ,. An antigen test and it still got throuth. , v ,. , through. Thats right. The effect of omicron is enormous through. Thats right. The effect of omicron is enormous according through. Thats right. The effect of omicron is enormous according to | through. Thats right. The effect of. Omicron is enormous according to the chief of the Norwegian Institute of public health. So the authorities are very concerned. Bre public health. So the authorities are very concerned. Public health. So the authorities are very concerned. Are you seeing more cases are very concerned. Are you seeing more cases in are very concerned. Are you seeing more cases in hospital are very concerned. Are you seeing more cases in hospital with are very concerned. Are you seeing i more cases in hospital with omicron . I dont think they still knew if the people in the hospitals have omicron and the people at hospitals have delta and as you said theres a lot of people also in hospitals and with other kinds of infections self the hospital is in no way to bejust overwhelmed in the short time and therefore the permanent status today announced very strict measures. This is an interesting point because a lot of people are talking about the effects being much milder and probably a lot of people it will be but we also know its very highly transmissible. Self is this an issue of ratios . The more people you have them my people albeit a smaller proportion will end up in hospital and that would be a Tipping Point to and that would be a Tipping Point to a point where the hospitals cant cope . A point where the hospitals cant co te . , a point where the hospitals cant cote . ,. ,. , � , cope . Yes, and thats where governments cope . Yes, and thats where governments are cope . Yes, and thats where governments are afraid cope . Yes, and thats where governments are afraid of i cope . Yes, and thats where i governments are afraid of could happen because we are at the very high number of people at the hospitals and they have a lot of infections in gnarly now because for instance the Rsv Infection Taking Place in the also have quite a few number of Intensive Care Beds and thats a huge debate now at the government has made it more during these two years. Rslur government has made it more during these two years these two years. Our chief medical officer has been these two years. Our chief medical officer has been in these two years. Our chief medical officer has been in downing these two years. Our chief medical officer has been in Downing Street| officer has been in Downing Street this evening and he showed us a graph and its a pretty alarming graph. Yes see the number rising exponentially. Because of your outbreaks may be a week or two ahead of us would have precut in the story . Can you tell us whats going to happen in the weeks ahead . Irate to happen in the weeks ahead . We dont to happen in the weeks ahead . Dont know exactly but i thinkjust in some weeks that omicron will take overin in some weeks that omicron will take over in gnarly and it could be happening very fast. Its over in gnarly and it could be happening very fast. Its good to talk to you. Happening very fast. Its good to talk to you, thank happening very fast. Its good to talk to you, thank you happening very fast. Its good to talk to you, thank you for happening very fast. Its good to i talk to you, thank you for speaking to les. We are well into the second week of the Ghislaine Maxwell trial in new york the witness on the stand this morning, the boyfriend of one of the alledged victims. Late yesterday new pictures were released by the Us Attorneys Office of maxwell and the disgraced Financierjeffrey Epsteen together. Prosecutors say the images demonstrate how close relationship between the pair had become. They were said the prosecution quite literally partners in crime. Lets go to manhattan Nada Tawfik Is Standing by for us and nada i understand the prosecution think they could wrap up their case by tomorrow . Yes, that came as quite a surprise to many of us because the prosecution had initially anticipated the red meat a month and now we have perhaps just one anticipated the red meat a month and now we have perhapsjust one more accuser. Her name is annie and she has identified herself publicly who says that Glenn Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein and her when she was 16 years old in new mexico and thats the age of consent in new mexico and so thejudge has instructed the age of consent in new mexico and so the judge has instructed the jury thats while she can testify and what they can call a victim from the prosecution side that those acts would not be considered illegal but after that she will be the last accuser to testify. He near the prosecution has only dropped one of the press and they were planning to bring forward said it seems like they are moving faster through the written essays than perhaps the anticipated that the defense with the need for cross examination. So for Witnesses Today as you mentioned the former boyfriend of one of the accusers corroborated a lot of her testimony saying he saw caroline go at least twice in the past twice a week to his home and that it was Glenn Maxwell that was mentioned by carolyn to him although he only referred to her as a woman with a british accent not by name who would often call him to schedule appointments with carolyn and we also heard from another pilots who said he had seenjane, one of the accusers on the plane several times and he had seen Virginia Roberts at least 32 times on the plane. I and he had seen Virginia Roberts at least 32 times on the plane. Least 32 times on the plane. I know ou least 32 times on the plane. I know you followed least 32 times on the plane. I know you followed it least 32 times on the plane. I know you followed it closely, least 32 times on the plane. I know you followed it closely, for you followed it closely, for different accusers, for women who were all introduced to epstein quite young, is there anything in their stories to you that links them all . Something thats familiar to each of them . I something thats familiar to each of them . , something thats familiar to each of them . ~ ,. ,. ,. , them . I think the Prosecution Point them . I think the Prosecution Point the have them . I think the Prosecution Point they have really them . I think the Prosecution Point they have really showed them . I think the Prosecution Point they have really showed that them . I think the Prosecution Point they have really showed that to them . I think the Prosecution Pointl they have really showed that to each of these accusers that they were all vulnerable and they came from troubled backgrounds are homes that werent very stable and that they allege Glenn Maxwell really use that to her advantage allegedly to bring them in an angry and then for abuse byJeffrey Epstein and when you look at each of these girls that is certainly the case. They could have used the money, they were from a troubled home and he also listen to their testimony and each of them talk about how they felt trapped that they didnt know how to get out of this situation which is also another common theme and we have from an expert talking about child six abuse and how uncommon it actually is for victims to actually come forward and speak about the abuse and leave early on and they dont talk about it can into adulthood so thats been a Common Thread in all of these accusers on the review spoke out about the alleged abuse when they became adults. ,. , alleged abuse when they became adults. , ~ ,. , alleged abuse when they became adults. ,. ,. Stay with us on bbc news, still to come how future generations will be able to learn about the state of our climate from this indestructible black box. Most of us high Speed Internet for granted, but in rural areas across the uk its something that many can only dream of. Danny savage reports in this picturesque part of yorkshire, the quality of life is rich. But technologically, its poor. It is a problem. We have a lot of complaints from customers. At this smart restaurant and wedding venue, they struggle with one modern facility nearly everyone expects. Theres no mobile phone signal. Probably the biggest reaction is a walk out. Where somebody booked a cottage for a whole weekend, they were up here, they were also doing work as well as wanting to phone their loved ones, and theyjust couldnt do it. So, they just sort of threw the keys and left, unfortunately. No, nothing at all. Here, to get a mobile phone signal, leo has to drive to the top of a nearby hill. The problem is i might be doing this four, five times a day, and especially now with the new things about the banks where you have to get a text message and come out and everything, its becoming a lot more often. Visiting and need to make a call . Well, then you might need one of these. But things are about to change. A 5g mast will soon be switched on, giving wireless broadband to the homes scattered through this dale. How slow is the broadband here . Very slow sarah tries to work from home online. A 5g signal will make a huge difference. We live in a beautiful place, but its very difficult to work in that beautiful place with the speeds that we have. Her partner tim will get a mobile 5g receiver so he can get coverage outside, too, immediately improving farm safety. If theres an accident, its extra minutes, isnt it, to try and get Emergency Services here. Wed have to run down home or take a vehicle down home and ring from the house. And you know, times lives, isnt it . After the imminent 5g switch on, mobile phone coverage is planned to follow, bringing this ancient dale into the 21st century. Danny savage, bbc news, coverdale. We are all too aware that our planet is in a delicate state because of the changing climate. No one can quite predict where well be in ten years let alone fifty but the science certainly tells us that things could look an awful lot worse. Enter earths black box a giant steel structure that is currently being built on the Granite Plains of tazmania in australia. Inspired by the Black Box Techology on an aeroplane which Help Investigators decipher what caused a fatal crash. This is the same idea. Should catastrophic Climate Change put an end to our very existence then future civilisations will be able to understand why it went so wrong. Jim curtis is the executive Creative Director at clemenger bbdo, the Marketing Firm which came up with the idea. Tell us what it is, whats it made of and whats in it . The tell us what it is, whats it made of and whats in it . Tell us what it is, whats it made of and whats in it . The black box is a structure of and whats in it . The black box is a structure and of and whats in it . The black box is a structure and device of and whats in it . The black box is a structure and device that of and whats in it . The black box is a structure and device that will| is a structure and device that will record every step that humanity takes towards are hopefully away from the impending climate catastrophe. So its ten meters x four m x three m steel box, three inch steel built to survive and its self powered and it has enough data storage inside to at the moment story 50 years of beta but were hoping to increase that. Itruihat story 50 years of beta but were hoping to increase that. What would it measure . Hoping to increase that. What would it measure . Will hoping to increase that. What would it measure . Will it hoping to increase that. What would it measure . Will it download it measure . Will it download everything . It measure . Will it download everything . It measure . Will it download eve hint . �. ,. ,. , everything . Weve developed a data source to these everything . Weve developed a data source to these two everything . Weve developed a data source to these two types everything . Weve developed a data source to these two types of everything . Weve developed a data source to these two types of data, i source to these two types of data, this primary data about the planet that we are sourcing so ocean temperatures, co2 levels, and then theres secondary data so contextual data, political speeches, social commentary, and everything that came from cop 26 so we want to capture everything objective, both sides of the story and make sure its fair for future generations and whoever finds it. So for future generations and whoever finds it. � ,. For future generations and whoever finds it. � , for future generations and whoever finds it. �. , finds it. So he didnt stay book for the next 50 finds it. So he didnt stay book for the next 50 or finds it. So he didnt stay book for the next 50 or 60 finds it. So he didnt stay book for the next 50 or 60 years . Finds it. So he didnt stay book for the next 50 or 60 years . Were i the next 50 or 60 years . Were hotin the next 50 or 60 years . Were hoping to the next 50 or 60 years . Were hoping to increase the next 50 or 60 years . Were hoping to increase that the next 50 or 60 years . Were hoping to increase that time i the next 50 or 60 years . Were. Hoping to increase that time that the next 50 or 60 years . Were i hoping to increase that time that it can record but it has multiple purposes. Obviously the first purposes. Obviously the first purposeis purposes. Obviously the first purpose is what you mentioned before, similar to an Airplane Black Box it will survive the climate catastrophe and make sure whoever finds it does not make this a mistake but there are other reasons to hold their leaders to account for every action or inaction they take is now recorded but that third thing and most importantly hopefully it inspires change and hopefully it inspires change and hopefully it inspires people to realize how close they are to acclimate catastrophe. If the human race comes to an end because of crop failure, wires, freezing temperatures, ocean acidification, its fairto freezing temperatures, ocean acidification, its fair to remind human race marked to what it was that we did that was supposed to is that we did that was supposed to is that right . I that we did that was supposed to is that ritht . ,. That we did that was supposed to is that ritht . ,. , � , that right . I would say thats trobabl that right . I would say thats probably the that right . I would say thats probably the most that right . I would say thats probably the most morbid i that right . I would say thats probably the most morbid reason for it but yes, it is at 20 four whoever is there to learn about our mistakes and not do them again or whoever finds the box after the catastrophe has occurred yes. But. Finds the box after the catastrophe has occurred yes. Has occurred yes. But, the obvious followu has occurred yes. But, the obvious followup questions has occurred yes. But, the obvious followup questions to has occurred yes. But, the obvious followup questions to that has occurred yes. But, the obvious followup questions to that is has occurred yes. But, the obvious followup questions to that is if i follow up questions to that is if theres no one around to show them what is and how you open it how will they know what to do with it . Thats they know what to do with it . Thats a really good they know what to do with it . Thats a really good question they know what to do with it . Thats a really good question and they know what to do with it . Thats a really good question and when they know what to do with it . Thats a really good question and when i i a really good question and when i think we will be working on for quite some time. The information inside the box is going to be coded inside the box is going to be coded in many different ways so we are hoping whoever does find the box can understand basic symbolism and access the information. Thats a good christian we will be working on. A good question. Good christian we will be working on. A good question. Good christian we will be working on. A good question. Olaf scholz has been sworn in as germanys new chancellor, bringing to an end angela merkel� s historic 16 years as leader. He will lead a three Party Coalition with the greens and the liberal free democrats. This is the moment when the sixty three year old took the Oath Of Office in the bundestag during a Brief Ceremony that ended with a standing ovation. Hes only the fourth german chancellor in nearly forty years. Mr scholz served as Finance Minister under mrs merkel. The new government has ambitious plans to fight Climate Change by phasing out coal early and focusing on renewable energy, but their initial priority will be tackling the coronavirus pandemic. The german president Frank Walter Steinmeier has appointed the new ministers. The new cabinet has 16 members 8 men and 8 women. For the first time in the countrys history, the cabinet includes as many women as men. Angela merkel said she wished him the best of luck for what she said was the most beautifuljob. And just before we go take a look at these incredible pics from niagra falls. A car was seen floating in the water, kickstarting a massive rescue operation. It wasnt known whether there was someone inside, so a helicopter was sent to check it out only to find out there was someone trapped. Luckily they were able to get them out of the car and to safety, thank goodness because those waters are icy cold this time of the year. A really lucky escape. Stay with us. We will have World News America and hugh edwards will be here with the ten oclock news. See you tomorrow. Hello there. For some of us, december so far has been quite stormy, with rain, with snow, and gales. But for all of us, it has been cold, with temperatures below the average for the time of year, and one of the reasons is the position of the jet stream. Its been way to the south of the uk, and that means that weve been in this cooler pool of air source, the blue tones certainly have dominated. But if we fast forward this is what is going to happen to the jet stream over the next few days. As we move in to the weekend it looks likely to drift its way north of the uk, and so that means a south westerly Wind Direction will drive in something a little bit milder, the yellow colours are set to return, and temperatures around average or slightly above where they should be. For the here and now, though, were still in that chilly airsource, im afraid, and theres going to be some rain gradually approaching from the west, so yes, a bright start with some sunshine into eastern areas into the afternoon, but Clouding Over from the west, and that rain will be sitting through western scotland, North West England, wales, down to the West Midlands by the end of the day. Ahead of it, with the sunshine, still chilly, five to seven degrees. Now, the rain will continue to march its way steadily eastwards through thursday night into friday. The Wind Direction spins back round to a north westerly, and that could drive in some showers, and with temperatures close to freezing, yes, they will be wintry, even at lower levels, for a time. But on the whole, friday will be still a relatively quieter day. Yes, weve still got plenty of isobars on the charts, so the winds a feature, not as strong as they have been but nevertheless those winds will continue to blow in some showers along exposed north and west facing coasts. So, sheltered eastern areas seeing the best of the sunshine, potentially, on friday, but still those temperatures are disappointing, chilly, top temperatures of five to nine celsius. But move out of friday into the start of the weekend, a relatively quiet start but another low pressure and its associated fronts move in. Thats going to bring some further wet and windier weather. So, an early start of sunshine on saturday, Clouding Over from the west. Here is the wet weather gradually pushing in, but with the south westerly Wind Direction, the temperatures are starting to pick up just a touch. Well really start to notice the difference with the feel of the weather, potentially, for the second half of the weekend. This Weather Front could be the dividing line between a fair amount of cloud, some showery outbreaks of rain across england and wales. But on the whole, sunday will be a relatively mild day in comparison to of late, so temperatures widely into double figures. Were looking at top temperatures of 10 to 13 or m celsius. Still got that Weather Front to clear away and that will be sitting across england and wales, so potentially on monday, cloudy, outbreaks of light rain and drizzle here. Further north, slightly brighter. Top temperatures, though, still likely to be around 12, i3, maybe ilt degrees in one or two spots. Now, once that Weather Front eases away, were going to see High Pressure building in from the south. Now, the position of where this high is going to be sitting still subject to question, but it looks likely that the high will stay with us, and that means that the Wind Direction will be on the milder side on the whole, so it does look likely, looking further ahead, that, yes, its going to stay quite cloudy, but largely dry, with temperatures pretty much where they should be for the time of year. Given the rapid growth of the new variant of coronavirus. From monday, millions of people will be advised to work from home, whenever possible. And from this friday, face coverings will need to be worn in most public venues in england, to limit the spread of the new variant. We are now facing a viral variant that is rapidly progressing. Its got a doubling time between two and three days. And measures need to be taken to try to slow the spread of that variant. Well have more on the measures, on a day when borisjohnson faced calls to resign, following the release of a controversial video. The number 10 aide, seen laughing with colleagues on the video last year, apologised and resigned today