treatment of its uighur minority. an unofficial tribunal finds that china has carried out genocide and crimes against humanity against its uighur minority. the tribunal is satisfied that they have occurred as a direct result of policies, language and speeches promoted by president xijinping and others. and in our weekly report for the bbc website, we're going to be looking at compulsory vaccination — whether vaccine mandates are right or wrong, and whether they work. pressure on prime minister boris johnson on several fronts. first, there's the christmas party in downing street a year ago. or possibly, parties. which would have broken covid guidelines at the time. a government investigation, launched by borisjohnson, is being expanded to include two more events. sorry, three events. its initial scope was the party at downing street on 18th december last year. that's where officials enjoyed nibbles and games. we were told that by one source. the inquiry will now look at another party at the education department on 10th december. this has already been confirmed. the department's chief civil servant says, "drinks and snacks "were brought by those attending." and a third alleged party, a leaving do on 27th november at number 10, is also being investigated. the guardian reports that borisjohnson "attended and gave a speech, remarking on how full with people the room was." government minister and paymaster general michael ellis gave more detail about the investigation. now, the primary purpose of the cabinet secretary's investigation will be to establish swiftly a general understanding of the nature of the gatherings... laughter. ..including attendance, the setting, and the purpose and with reference to adherence to the guidance in place at the time. now, if required, the investigation will establish whether individual disciplinary action is warranted. london's metropolitan police have ruled out its own investigation into the 18th december party, "based on the absence of evidence "and in line with our policy not to investigate retrospective "breaches of such regulations." but, as the bbc�*s dominic casciani reports, "at least three people "who held or went to unlawful gatherings on the same day "as the apparent downing street party have been fined by courts "this month." and labour still has questions about the uk government's investigation. are there more parties that we need to hear about? is this investigation just to say, "we are doing something, we will push it into the long grass" or is it a serious investigation? the prime minister said yesterday, "i have been "repeatedly assured that there was no "party and no covid rules have been broken, but i have asked the cabinet "secretary to establish these facts." who gave these repeated assurances? you heard fleur anderson there ask, "are there more parties that we need to hear about?" well, there could be. the bbc has had reports that some number 10 staff attended a gathering with carriejohnson, boris johnson's wife, in the downing street flat on 13th november last year. her spokeswoman denies this. the bbc has also been told that on the 13th and 27th november there were informal leaving drinks for number 10 staff. and conservative sources have confirmed that four members and conservative sources have of the party's head office staff were disciplined for taking part in an unauthorised social gathering on 14th december. the next headache for borisjohnson is questions over how a revamp of his downing street flat was paid for. the conservative party has been fined £17,800 by the electoral commission for "failing to accurately report "a donation" that paid for the refurbishment. ben wright has more. we knew that lord brownlow, a tory donor, had provided a lot of money to help cover the costs of the refurbishment of the number 11 flat. the prime minister's adviser on ministerial interests, lord geidt, published a report back in the spring into this. what the electoral commission was trying to establish whether that money from lord brownlow was properly declared by the conservative party and whether it broke any electoral donation rules and the electoral commission have decided that it was not properly declared, that this was a loan, amounting in total to £67,000, of which £52,000 was used to cover the cost of the flat refurbishment. the electoral commission says that should have been declared as a loan. it wasn't, which is why they have fined the tory party £17,800. there's more to this, as sam coates from sky news points out. "in may the prime minister told lord geidt, who investigated this in the spring, that he did not know who was behind the number 11 flat refurb until february 2021. today the electoral commission says boris johnson whatsapped lord brownlow, who gave the loan, in november 2020, asking for more cash for the refurb." when asked about this, the prime minister's spokesman said mrjohnson had "acted in accordance with the rules at all times". asked explicitly if mrjohnson had lied to lord geidt, the spokesman said, "no." the pressure on borisjohnson doesn't end there. he's been accused by some in his own party of introducing covid restrictions to deflect attention from the christmas party scandal. here's one conservative mp. is my right honourable friend the prime minister aware that very few will be convinced by this diversionary tactic? mps will vote on the new restrictions on tuesday. some are indicating they might not support the government. i just find it so depressing that we are back reimposing covid restrictions. i mean, they are... they are a lot... more of a lighter touch than previous episodes of new variants, but i have not made up my mind on exactly how we will vote for them on tuesday. i will be looking at them carefully over the weekend and making a decision on that. there's also this from the editor of the sunday telegraph, this is borisjohnson�*s former employer and a newspaper usually loyal to him. and it's notjust national newspapers. here's our political correspondent, helen catt. so now what you have got is boris johnson trying to sell in an unpopular policy to a party that is frankly quite cross with him, white cross with his operation, notjust over these claims of a christmas party and their handling of that, but over a series of things in recent months that they see as a series of necessary mistakes at number ten have made and —— a series of unnecessary mistakes and some of that private anger is starting to speu that private anger is starting to spell out over the airwaves today, so the bolton mp chris green was asked three times this morning in a radio interview to say he had confidence for borisjohnson. he did not answer that, eventually saying, silence speaks volumes. and of course a political party is notjust made up of mps and their leader, the membership too and there are signs there is some degree of upset among conservative members as well. the chair of the self basildon conservative association again in a live interview this morning with bbc essex announced that he was resigning, so there is certainly a measure of upset over what is being proposed here and have caused next week to week away today you will get the election result from voters of the election result from voters of the by—election there. if all of that isn't enough, boris and his wife carriejohnson have just announced the birth of a daughter. let's speak to rob watson, the bbc�*s uk political correspondent. a lot has changed since we spoke a couple of days back. how do you assess these respective pressures? because after all borisjohnson is well skilled in navigating moments of crisis. he skilled in navigating moments of crisis. . . , skilled in navigating moments of crisis. . ., , , skilled in navigating moments of crisis. . . , , , crisis. he certainly is, but i was reminded _ crisis. he certainly is, but i was reminded when _ crisis. he certainly is, but i was reminded when i _ crisis. he certainly is, but i was reminded when i was _ crisis. he certainly is, but i was reminded when i was going - crisis. he certainly is, but i was - reminded when i was going through all of this of the, i don't know if you remember the igor song from the 19705, you remember the igor song from the 1970s, life in the fast lane, where just absolutely everything seems to be happening, both in his political and personal life. ithink be happening, both in his political and personal life. i think one has to conclude and i suspect even the prime minister would probably be thinking this, of all of the fixes and holes he has been in, as you sort of describe it, this does look like the deepest because he has got to particular problems. one is a problem within his own party, as you have been hearing, that sort of awakening for some conservative mps, reawakening for others, the sort of sense that yes, the prime minister is brilliant at winning the elections, he reaches people in a way other politicians don't, but maybe he is just way other politicians don't, but maybe he isjust a hopeless prime minister, but then a problem with a chunk of the electorate. 0pinion polls do suggest that this story about this line that there real one rules for the rest of us, that we can visit —— we couldn't visit loved ones last christmas or dying relatives, but there are different rules for those in power, that really does seem to be hurting. let's just work through those problems one in ten, in terms of a problems one in ten, in terms of a problem with its own party surely thatis problem with its own party surely that is not going to be big enough to prevent these new covid restrictions, to force?- to prevent these new covid restrictions, to force? no, it is not, restrictions, to force? no, it is not. you're _ restrictions, to force? no, it is not, you're absolutely - restrictions, to force? no, it is not, you're absolutely right, i restrictions, to force? no, it is. not, you're absolutely right, but restrictions, to force? no, it is . not, you're absolutely right, but it important because what it does show is many conservative mps feel it is absolutely perfectly fine to vote against the government and i think that again is a wider problem for borisjohnson. if your that again is a wider problem for boris johnson. if your troops that again is a wider problem for borisjohnson. if your troops start to... you boris johnson. if your troops start to... you know, borisjohnson. if your troops start to... you know, not boris johnson. if your troops start to... you know, not to fear you or respect you, then itjust makes government more difficult, even when you have a whopping majority, not just on this issue, but on all the other things on the government was �*s agenda. 50 other things on the government was 's aaenda. . , ., ., 's agenda. so that is the vote on restrictions. _ 's agenda. so that is the vote on restrictions. next _ 's agenda. so that is the vote on restrictions. next the _ 's agenda. so that is the vote on restrictions. next the flat. - 's agenda. so that is the vote on restrictions. next the flat. we . 's agenda. so that is the vote on i restrictions. next the flat. we have been on this story a couple of months back, so what has changed here? because some people might be thinking, hold on, this was all cleared up. i thinking, hold on, this was all cleared um— thinking, hold on, this was all cleared via-— thinking, hold on, this was all cleared u -. ~' ., ., , cleared up. i think the flat, many wa s, is cleared up. i think the flat, many ways. is the _ cleared up. i think the flat, many ways, is the least _ cleared up. i think the flat, many ways, is the least problematic i cleared up. i think the flat, many| ways, is the least problematic for the prime minister. conservative mps are not happy about it, but it is not their biggest problem and it is an incredibly complex story, as far as the voters are concerned and when issue first arose it didn't really cut through, but i mean the latest development is it seems that the prime minister has maybe, whether he has told exactly the truth on how the funding was arranged initially, there are sort of more doubts about that. �* ., , ., , , that. and finally, rob, while he is naviuaatin that. and finally, rob, while he is navigating all— that. and finally, rob, while he is navigating all these _ that. and finally, rob, while he is navigating all these things, - that. and finally, rob, while he is navigating all these things, he i that. and finally, rob, while he is navigating all these things, he is| navigating all these things, he is also navigating becoming a dad again, which is only one has been that will know, is a reasonably challenging experience in and of itself. , ., , challenging experience in and of itself. , . itself. yes, that was my point about life in the fast _ itself. yes, that was my point about life in the fast lane, _ itself. yes, that was my point about life in the fast lane, which _ itself. yes, that was my point about life in the fast lane, which by - itself. yes, that was my point about life in the fast lane, which by the i life in the fast lane, which by the way i want to make clear, i suspect the igor song had something to do with illicit substances, if i remember rightly! i am not suggesting that, but all i can say is i am a bit older than boris johnson and the idea of managing a pandemic, a crisis in my political career and welcoming my seventh child into the world would be pretty overwhelming. but, you know, people should be careful about writing borisjohnson off. has he got a major problem in his party? yes. is he suffering in the polls? yes. but is his party about to turn him out of downing street tomorrow? know, and there is still a large chunk of the electorate that says, well, you know, he was dealt it difficult hand, he was dealt the pandemic, we are sticking with boris? yes. hand, he was dealt the pandemic, we are sticking with boris?— are sticking with boris? yes. rob, thank ou very much indeed. a group of senior uk lawyers on an unofficial tribunal investigating china's treatment of the uyghur minority group has concluded that beijing is committing genocide and crimes against humanity. the tribunal details systematic human rights abuses — including forced labour, torture and religious destruction against the uighurs in xianjiang province. this is the tribunal chair, sir geoffrey nice. 0n the basis of evidence heard in public, the tribunal is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the prc by the imposition of measures to prevent births intended to destroy a significant part of the uighurs in xinjiang. as such, it has committed genocide. the tribunal is made up of lawyers and businesspeople — and doesn't have any government backing or powers to sanction china. hearings took place in london injune and september over alleged abuses over 6,000 kilometres away in xianjiang province. over 70 witnesses were called. some of them described shocking details of rapes and assaults. one of the men who gave evidence is an ethnic kazakh. he was detained in 2017, but is now living in london — and he's been speaking to our diplomatic correspondent, caroline hawley. this is a first—hand witness of china's oppression of turkic muslims in xinjiang. he's an ethnic kazakh, one of dozens of former detainees who gave evidence at hearings in london about what they went through. he was arrested in 2017, accused of installing whatsapp, which is blocked in china, and of watching videos about islam. the first prison was the worst. he says he was once punished for complaining he was hungry, and remembers being put in something called a tiger chair. this is where he says he was held before being removed to a re—education camp. that's the experience of one man who had been in detention in xianjang. he's not alone. experts tell us a million uyghurs are being held in extra judicial camps or in prisons, which you can see in these satellite images. the us calls them "concentration camps." china calls them "re—education" camps designed to combat separatism and islamist militancy. we know the tribunal disagrees. and sir geoffrey was explicit. the tribunal is satisfied that president xijinping and other the tribunal is satisfied that president xi jinping and other very senior officials in the prc and ccp bear primary responsibility for acts that have occurred in xinjiang. the tribunal recognises that the perpetuation of individual criminal acts that may have occurred, rape or torture, will not have been carried out with a detailed knowledge of the president and others, but the tribunal is satisfied that they have occurred as a direct result of policies, language and speech is promoted by president xi jinping and others. furthermore, that these policies could not have happened in a country with such rigid hierarchies as the prc. xianjiang is china's biggest region. 12 million uyghurs live there — that's roughly half the population. they speak their own language, which is similar to turkish, and see themselves as culturally and ethnically close to central asian countries. many fear — in xinjiang and abroad — that their culture is under threat of being erased. so activists requested this tribunal in london. this is the president of the world uighyr congress. this is very significant. you know, china's government has been committed of genocide against the uighur people since 2016, but no countries, no international legal justice system have called china to account for their crimes, so today we have a an independentjudicial body, so this decision is very significant. i lost contact with my whole family since 2017. my mother died in the concentration camp. a lot daily make around me a lot of people were leaving in the community. we got horrible news in the last five years. my mother died in the concentration camp, my brother was sentenced to life, my older brother for 2h years. my story is not unique. most of us will have similar stories, so... is not unique. most of us will have similarstories, so... must be already happening, but we don't know. well, the tribunal didn't find a case for mass killings. however it did find a case for diminishing the uyghur population. here's sir geoffrey again. the only basis upon which genocide could be proved, the tribunal decided, and it was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt, was proved, was in respect of presenting uighur women to have children, to have babies. and it was clear that that was the... are both the intention of the prc, the people's republic of china and the communist party, the intention was to force women not to have babies, which they did by forcing them to have a removable intrauterine devices by having abortions, by having their wounds removed, whether they liked it or not. so that is the basis on which genocide was found in this tribunal and it has not been found on that basis before. the chinese government denies all accusations of abuses in xinjiang. the chinese embassy in london has issued this statement, while this tribunal doesn't have any power of enforcement, it still has significance on the international stage — as caroline hawley explains. i think it does have some moral authority in the sense that sir geoffrey nice is a serious character. he led the prosecution of slobodan, a famous person, and he has found a lot of evidence. he didn't determine genocide on the basis of mass killings and there is a lot of debate about the definition of genocide in this context. human rights organisations like amnesty international and human rights watch have said there are crimes against humanity being committed, but have stopped short of calling it genocide. what sir geoffrey nice has done here is said that he has come to this conclusion because he saw, as a result of the evidence he heard, a deliberate, systematic and concerted attempt to lower the birth rate of the uighurs and that uighur children would not be as a result, that the future population of the uighurs would be smaller as a result. international pressure has ramped up over china's treatment of the uyghurs. on tuesday, the us announced a diplomatic boycott of the winter olympics in beijing. many other countries have since followed. howard zhang, head of the chinese service. to what degree does this tribunal matter to the big heavyweights in chinese politics? hat matter to the big heavyweights in chinese politics?— matter to the big heavyweights in chinese politics? not that much. it will brin: chinese politics? not that much. it will bring a — chinese politics? not that much. it will bring a certain _ chinese politics? not that much. it will bring a certain level _ chinese politics? not that much. it will bring a certain level of - will bring a certain level of international pressure, but i think now with covid at home and still quite a few areas locked down, this will be a secondary consideration and also xinjiang, for them it is the gateway to their flagship belt and road project. they want xinjiang to be like hong kong to the financial world. xinjiang will have to be the peaceful, controllable, 100% under control type of gateway, so that is the type of strategic decision they have made, to pass xinjiang under whatever international pressures will bring round would have little impact on that. ~ . . . round would have little impact on that. ~ , ., , that. will this have been reported at all in chinese _ that. will this have been reported at all in chinese media? - that. will this have been reported at all in chinese media? yes, i at all in chinese media? yes, the 're at all in chinese media? yes, they're actually _ at all in chinese media? yes, they're actually quite - at all in chinese media? yes, they're actually quite a i at all in chinese media? yes, they're actually quite a bit i at all in chinese media? yes, they're actually quite a bit of| they're actually quite a bit of report, but of course is on the perspective that this is a terrorist... quote, with western anti—china forces behind the scene. it is a shambolic, phony, pr stunt and carries no moral authority, it is a fake tribunal. something along that line, the coverage. i5 is a fake tribunal. something along that line, the coverage.— that line, the coverage. is there any evidence — that line, the coverage. is there any evidence the _ that line, the coverage. is there any evidence the international l any evidence the international pressure of recent years has impacted china's approach to the uighurs at all? i impacted china's approach to the uighurs at all?— uighurs at all? i think there is some anecdotal— uighurs at all? i think there is some anecdotal evidence, i uighurs at all? i think there is l some anecdotal evidence, when certain individual cases are brought up certain individual cases are brought up in the international media and certain names are mentioned, apparently either the ones in jail mentioned or their relatives mentioned, then they receive slightly better treatment afterwards when the highlights them, but in terms of the overall situation, that is up to the experts and people who are actually... you know, who can have the access to those areas to determine. have the access to those areas to determine-— determine. finally, help me understand _ determine. finally, help me understand this _ determine. finally, help me understand this world i determine. finally, help me| understand this world uighur congress. what kind of organisation is that and how does it operate? well, it is an organisation largely run by exiled uighurs who left xinjiang and it has been there for decades and it is one of the largest groups of representatives overseas outside the diaspora for uighurs. and the chinese call them terrorist groups and they are saying they are funded by, you know, all the anti—china forces. and of course the uighur congress are saying they are a peaceful group, they want to bring autonomy and genuine human rights back to xinjiang and stand up for the people, the uighurs and the different groups there. and so, we do have these two quite contrasting arguments in front of us.— arguments in front of us. howard zhan: , arguments in front of us. howard zhang, always — arguments in front of us. howard zhang, always use _ arguments in front of us. howard zhang, always use will— arguments in front of us. howard zhang, always use will you i arguments in front of us. howard zhang, always use will you on i arguments in front of us. howard | zhang, always use will you on the programme, thank you very much indeed. —— always useful. next we turn to india. new research has found that india's capital delhi has alarmingly high levels of indoor air pollution — 20 times the who standards. the study by the energy policy institute at the university of chicago, found that the levels of pm2.5, the lung—damaging tiny particles in the air, indoors were "substantially higher" than those found outside. these images show the extent of pollution in delhi. the city routinely tops the list of "world's most polluted capitals". 0ur correspondent in delhi, rajini vaidyanathan has more details. this is the world's most polluted capital city. many, many people in this city complain about the toxic air which doctors say can lead to long—term respiratory illness. 0ften long—term respiratory illness. often we feel that when we are indoors we were actually more protected and safe, but actually according to the study from the university of chicago, which surveyed residents in delhi across all socioeconomic groups between 2018 and 2020, the levels of the small, dangerous air particles which can get lodged into your lungs and cause lasting damage, pm2.5, were substantially higher indoors than they were on the newest recorded cultural metres and that is something that is quite surprising. it also found that rich and poor households were equally affected when it comes to air pollution. now, for those who can afford them, many people in the city are able to buy air purifiers, which they keep inside their homes to bring down the levels of air pollution, but this study found that those were who are able to afford air purifiers in their home were only actually lowering the dangerous levels by 10%, compared to those in disadvantaged households. that is a reporter in delhi finishing this half of outside source. hello again. we have a big change in our weather patterns over the next couple of days, as we replace chilly feeling weather with whether that is going to become very mild indeed for december. now, a beautiful start to the day, we had a number of the sunrise picture sent to us this morning. the sunrise illuminating this cloud that has been moving in ever since. this cloud will be bringing some rain our way, followed ljy bringing some rain our way, followed by colder air, north—westerly winds pushing in on friday, but that is going to be the last of the cooler days way while. 0vernight tonight this band of rain pushes eastwards, quite slowly clearing away from the east coast of east anglia and kent. what follows later on in the night is showers, some of those wintry into north—west scotland, with some sleet and a bit of hill slope. there will be a risk of some icy patches as temperatures dip down low enough to get some patches of rust. a chilly start to friday, but friday is a day of sunshine and showers, chilly north—westerly winds driving those showers, a bit of fleet will slow in those northern areas, showers pushed across north—west england, north wales, damage to the midlands and perhaps one or two reaching the far south of england, temperatures still around six or 7 degrees. as we head into the weekend, we get the winds changing to a south—westerly direction, increasingly dragging up very mild air and increasingly dragging up very mild airand pushing it increasingly dragging up very mild air and pushing it north and east across the uk, so saturday probably starting off on the murky note with mist and fog patches around hills across the south—west and probably around the coast as well. some rain around, heavy across western areas, but not really amounting to much cost eastern areas. we are still getting that mother air coming in with temperatures 12 in belfast, cardiff and in the south of england, still quite chilly around easter northern areas, but as we get into sunday those south—westerly winds extend further and it could be quite strong winds across parts of the far north—west of the uk with rain never far away here. a lot of cloud around, but those temperatures continuing to climb, highs of 1a degrees in cardiff, london and norwich, much warmer than it has been so far this month. a bit cooler across the north of scotland, but even deep into next week we will keep those mild weather conditions as we slowly get a bit closer to christmas. hello, i'm ros atkins, this is 0utside source. borisjohnson's leadership as uk prime minister is under pressure. an investigation into covid rule breaking expands to cover three parties said to have been held at downing street last christmas. the prime minister's conservatives are fined for breaking campaign finance rules over the refurbishment of his flat. a potential rebellion by his own mps against covid rules is adding further pressure on the pm. also in the programme, the world health organization warns wealthy countries against hoarding coronavirus vaccines as the omicron variant continues to spread. and — in our weekly report for the bbc website we're going to be looking at compulsory vaccination — whether vaccine mandates are right — or wrong — and whether they work. the world health organization says it's concerned that wealthy countries will hoard coronavirus vaccines in response to the rapid spead of the 0micron variant. here's the who's vaccine director kate o'brien. we are not going to get out of this, unless we actually have true vaccine equity and distribution of vaccines, in a timely fashion, to every country around the world. there is risk that the global supply is again going to revert to high income countries hoarding vaccine to protect, in a sense, in excess their opportunity for vaccination. and they're not the only ones warning about the situation. dr mogha kamal—yanni is an advisor to the people's vaccine alliance, a coalition of organisations campaigning for a 'people's vaccine' for covid—19 which is freely available to everyone across the world. we don't have enough doses for the world _ we don't have enough doses for the world the — we don't have enough doses for the world. the doses that are available are hoarded by rich countries all the time, — are hoarded by rich countries all the time, so what's left for africa is really— the time, so what's left for africa is really not enough. more than 60%, far more _ is really not enough. more than 60%, far more than 60% of the population in, far more than 60% of the population in. say— far more than 60% of the population in, say europe, the uk, are fully vaccinated _ in, say europe, the uk, are fully vaccinated. the situation in africa is you've — vaccinated. the situation in africa is you've got under 7% of the population is fully vaccinated, so of course — population is fully vaccinated, so of course we've got a big problem. professor rashida ferrand, an epidemiologist and professor of international health at the london school of hygiene & tropical medicine, joined me a short while ago from karachi. i asked her to what degree vaccine supply is still an issue in less economically developed countries. currently, the fact that the omicron variant— currently, the fact that the omicron variant that — currently, the fact that the omicron variant that has _ currently, the fact that the omicron variant that has just _ currently, the fact that the omicron variant that has just emerged - currently, the fact that the omicron variant that hasjust emerged has . variant that hasjust emerged has led to, _ variant that hasjust emerged has led to, for— variant that hasjust emerged has led to, for example, _ variant that hasjust emerged has led to, for example, a _ variant that hasjust emerged has led to, for example, a dart- variant that hasjust emerged has led to, for example, a dart in- variant that hasjust emerged has led to, for example, a dart in the| led to, for example, a dart in the third _ led to, for example, a dart in the third booster— led to, for example, a dart in the third booster vaccinations, - led to, for example, a dart in the third booster vaccinations, and i led to, for example, a dart in the i third booster vaccinations, and more recently— third booster vaccinations, and more recently vaccinating _ third booster vaccinations, and more recently vaccinating children, - third booster vaccinations, and more recently vaccinating children, that i recently vaccinating children, that has certainly _ recently vaccinating children, that has certainly put _ recently vaccinating children, that has certainly put some _ recently vaccinating children, that has certainly put some stress, i recently vaccinating children, that has certainly put some stress, inl has certainly put some stress, in terms _ has certainly put some stress, in terms of— has certainly put some stress, in terms of vaccine _ has certainly put some stress, in terms of vaccine supply- has certainly put some stress, in terms of vaccine supply being i has certainly put some stress, in. terms of vaccine supply being made available _ terms of vaccine supply being made available to — terms of vaccine supply being made available to low— terms of vaccine supply being made available to low income _ terms of vaccine supply being made available to low income settings. i available to low income settings. you mention— available to low income settings. you mention the _ available to low income settings. you mention the omicron - available to low income settings. i you mention the omicron variant. to what degree has that changed the equation, as you look at the status of the pandemic in the places that you are studying?— you are studying? okay, so with resect, you are studying? okay, so with reapect. i _ you are studying? okay, so with reapect. i am — you are studying? okay, so with respect, i am based _ you are studying? okay, so with respect, i am based in - you are studying? okay, so with respect, i am based in harare, l respect, iam based in harare, that's— respect, lam based in harare, that's where _ respect, iam based in harare, that's where i— respect, lam based in harare, that's where i live _ respect, lam based in harare, that's where i live and - respect, lam based in harare, that's where i live and work, . respect, i am based in harare, . that's where i live and work, and respect, i am based in harare, i that's where i live and work, and we have _ that's where i live and work, and we have seen_ that's where i live and work, and we have seen a — that's where i live and work, and we have seen a very— that's where i live and work, and we have seen a very steep _ that's where i live and work, and we have seen a very steep rise - that's where i live and work, and we have seen a very steep rise in- that's where i live and work, and we have seen a very steep rise in the i have seen a very steep rise in the numbers— have seen a very steep rise in the numbers of— have seen a very steep rise in the numbers of cases _ have seen a very steep rise in the numbers of cases in _ have seen a very steep rise in the numbers of cases in the - have seen a very steep rise in the numbers of cases in the past i have seen a very steep rise in thel numbers of cases in the past week have seen a very steep rise in the i numbers of cases in the past week or so. numbers of cases in the past week or so we _ numbers of cases in the past week or so we always — numbers of cases in the past week or so we always lag _ numbers of cases in the past week or so. we always lag behind _ numbers of cases in the past week or so. we always lag behind south- so. we always lag behind south africa _ so. we always lag behind south africa where _ so. we always lag behind south africa where the _ so. we always lag behind south africa where the omicron - so. we always lag behind southl africa where the omicron variant so. we always lag behind south- africa where the omicron variant was first reported. — africa where the omicron variant was first reported, and _ africa where the omicron variant was first reported, and even _ africa where the omicron variant was first reported, and even in _ africa where the omicron variant was first reported, and even in the - first reported, and even in the previous— first reported, and even in the previous waves _ first reported, and even in the previous waves we _ first reported, and even in the previous waves we have - first reported, and even in the previous waves we have seenl first reported, and even in thei previous waves we have seen a first reported, and even in the i previous waves we have seen a lag first reported, and even in the - previous waves we have seen a lag of two or— previous waves we have seen a lag of two or three — previous waves we have seen a lag of two or three weeks _ previous waves we have seen a lag of two or three weeks before _ previous waves we have seen a lag of two or three weeks before we - previous waves we have seen a lag of two or three weeks before we see i previous waves we have seen a lag of| two or three weeks before we see the rise as _ two or three weeks before we see the rise as we _ two or three weeks before we see the rise as we have — two or three weeks before we see the rise as we have seen _ two or three weeks before we see the rise as we have seen in— two or three weeks before we see the rise as we have seen in south- rise as we have seen in south africa, — rise as we have seen in south africa, but— rise as we have seen in south africa, but certainly- rise as we have seen in south africa, but certainly the - rise as we have seen in south africa, but certainly the last i rise as we have seen in south- africa, but certainly the last week we have _ africa, but certainly the last week we have seen _ africa, but certainly the last week we have seen numbers _ africa, but certainly the last week we have seen numbers of- africa, but certainly the last week we have seen numbers of daily. africa, but certainly the last week- we have seen numbers of daily cases, like 20 _ we have seen numbers of daily cases, like 20 to— we have seen numbers of daily cases, like 20 to 30 — we have seen numbers of daily cases, like 20 to 30 a — we have seen numbers of daily cases, like 20 to 30 a day, _ we have seen numbers of daily cases, like 20 to 30 a day, to _ we have seen numbers of daily cases, like 20 to 30 a day, to about - we have seen numbers of daily cases, like 20 to 30 a day, to about 5000 i we have seen numbers of daily cases, like 20 to 30 a day, to about 5000 a | like 20 to 30 a day, to about 5000 a day. like 20 to 30 a day, to about 5000 a day in _ like 20 to 30 a day, to about 5000 a day in terms — like 20 to 30 a day, to about 5000 a day. in terms of— like 20 to 30 a day, to about 5000 a day. in terms of actual— day. in terms of actual hospitalisations, - day. in terms of actual hospitalisations, the l day. in terms of actual- hospitalisations, the numbers of hospitalisations_ hospitalisations, the numbers of hospitalisations have _ hospitalisations, the numbers of hospitalisations have increased, | hospitalisations, the numbers of. hospitalisations have increased, but not to— hospitalisations have increased, but not to such — hospitalisations have increased, but not to such a — hospitalisations have increased, but not to such a large _ hospitalisations have increased, but not to such a large level— hospitalisations have increased, but not to such a large level as - hospitalisations have increased, but not to such a large level as that i not to such a large level as that observed — not to such a large level as that observed when— not to such a large level as that observed when we _ not to such a large level as that observed when we had - not to such a large level as that observed when we had the - not to such a large level as that| observed when we had the third not to such a large level as that - observed when we had the third wave of the _ observed when we had the third wave of the delta _ observed when we had the third wave of the delta variant. _ observed when we had the third wave of the delta variant. so _ observed when we had the third wave of the delta variant. so for _ of the delta variant. so for example. _ of the delta variant. so for example, with _ of the delta variant. so for example, with about - of the delta variant. so for example, with about 200. example, with about 200 hospitalisations - example, with about 200 hospitalisations in- example, with about 200 hospitalisations in the - example, with about 200 i hospitalisations in the whole country. _ hospitalisations in the whole country. in _ hospitalisations in the whole country, in the _ hospitalisations in the whole country, in the face - hospitalisations in the whole country, in the face of - hospitalisations in the whole country, in the face of such. hospitalisations in the whole - country, in the face of such large numbers, — country, in the face of such large numbers, and— country, in the face of such large numbers, and only— country, in the face of such large numbers, and only a _ country, in the face of such large numbers, and only a small- country, in the face of such large - numbers, and only a small proportion of that, _ numbers, and only a small proportion of that, out— numbers, and only a small proportion of that, out of— numbers, and only a small proportion of that, out of 215 _ numbers, and only a small proportion of that, out of 215 about _ numbers, and only a small proportion of that, out of 215 about 30 _ numbers, and only a small proportion of that, out of 215 about 30 of - numbers, and only a small proportion of that, out of 215 about 30 of them l of that, out of 215 about 30 of them are severe — of that, out of 215 about 30 of them are severe cases. _ of that, out of 215 about 30 of them are severe cases. so _ of that, out of 215 about 30 of them are severe cases. so we _ of that, out of 215 about 30 of them are severe cases. so we haven't- of that, out of 215 about 30 of them are severe cases. so we haven't yeti are severe cases. so we haven't yet seen _ are severe cases. so we haven't yet seen a — are severe cases. so we haven't yet seen a massive — are severe cases. so we haven't yet seen a massive deluge _ are severe cases. so we haven't yet seen a massive deluge on - are severe cases. so we haven't yet seen a massive deluge on the - are severe cases. so we haven't yetl seen a massive deluge on the health system _ let's go back now to the row over christmas parties in downing street to look at how it all started — with a scoop in a newspaper. the daily mirror's political editor broke the news that one gathering was attended by the prime minister — and that aides held a second party — both at a time when coronavirus regulations were in place. last year, pippa crerrar had another major scoop about borisjohnson's then top aide dominic cummings and his controversial trip to barnard castle. it was a tvjournalist — paul brand from itv news — who made the christmas parties story even bigger news — with his own major exclusive — obtaining the video, showing downing street staffjoking about a party that would be breaking the rules. the work of these two reporters has put huge pressure on the prime minister — and the video led to an apology in parliament. for the media show on radio 4 this week, i've been speaking to them both — starting with asking pippa how she got the story. i actually first heard rumours way backin i actually first heard rumours way back injanuary, but i actually first heard rumours way back in january, but they were just that, and i wasn't able to substantiate. i tried my best but didn't manage to get there. and then, about a month ago, i got handed what i would describe as a metaphorical brown paper envelope, which contained enough evidence in it for me to start asking questions again, so i then spent several weeks speaking to sources about whether a party had taken place, and then once i establish that it had, speaking to them about who was at it, what was done at the party, you know, the secret santa and the festive games and drinks and nibbles and so on. and then we were just really waiting for a moment that would be the right time to publish. so for a moment that would be the right time to publish.— time to publish. so you come back to this sto , time to publish. so you come back to this story. you _ time to publish. so you come back to this story, you start _ time to publish. so you come back to this story, you start having _ time to publish. so you come back to this story, you start having lots - time to publish. so you come back to this story, you start having lots of. this story, you start having lots of conversations, building on what you had first heard about injanuary. can you pinpoint a moment where you thought, my goodness, this is a huge story? thought, my goodness, this is a huge sto ? ~ . , , thought, my goodness, this is a huge sto 7. , story? well, last tuesday i was sittin: in story? well, last tuesday i was sitting in the — story? well, last tuesday i was sitting in the number— story? well, last tuesday i was sitting in the number nine - story? well, last tuesday i was i sitting in the number nine briefing room, the same room in fact that paul's video that itv showed of allegra stratton was filmed in, and listening to the prime minister's official spokesman at the normal lobby briefing. in that morning on the radio, drjenny harries, the uk health security agency chief, had suggested that people might want to be a bit careful about how they socialised on christmas, and cut back on that in the coming weeks because of the emergence of the omicron variant, sol because of the emergence of the omicron variant, so i remember sitting there thinking, my goodness, people are talking about christmas parties again, we have the uncertainties of what happens in the next few weeks and months with omicron coming up, this is going to be in people's mind is the moment to do this story. 50 be in people's mind is the moment to do this story-— do this story. so you decided to run the story on — do this story. so you decided to run the story on tuesday _ do this story. so you decided to run the story on tuesday last _ do this story. so you decided to run the story on tuesday last week, - do this story. so you decided to run| the story on tuesday last week, but where are you ready to go with it actually quite a lot earlier? i actually quite a lot earlier? i suppose i could have pulled actually quite a lot earlier? i suppose i could have pulled it together quickly. none of it was actually written as i sat there in the number ten briefing. i had all the number ten briefing. i had all the information i needed but i still needed to sit in front of my keyboard and bash it out, then i did that very quickly earlier in the day, then of course lawyers wanted to have a look, and uses wanted to have a look and the people that put the blame together, the online team, everyone was discussing headlines, it's a bit of an operation. 50 everyone was discussing headlines, it's a bit of an operation.— it's a bit of an operation. so that our it's a bit of an operation. so that your experience, _ it's a bit of an operation. so that your experience, we _ it's a bit of an operation. so that your experience, we will - it's a bit of an operation. so that your experience, we will come i it's a bit of an operation. so that i your experience, we will come back to it. paul, let's bring you in. when did you hear about this video? so we had about this video some time a-o so we had about this video some time ago and _ so we had about this video sometime ago and it's— so we had about this video some time ago and it's actually really interesting listening to pippa explaining her story because i had a similar— explaining her story because i had a similar experience actually, that we were aware — similar experience actually, that we were aware of this video some time a-o, were aware of this video some time ago. but _ were aware of this video some time ago, but actually sometimes it takes the work_ ago, but actually sometimes it takes the work of— ago, but actually sometimes it takes the work of one journalist to help another— the work of one journalist to help anotherjournalist. and we had some realty— anotherjournalist. and we had some really important considerations when we were _ really important considerations when we were looking at this video. i mean. — we were looking at this video. i mean. it— we were looking at this video. i mean, it was filmed ultimately in a private _ mean, it was filmed ultimately in a private setting, so there is a high bar for— private setting, so there is a high bar for publishing that video, it needs— bar for publishing that video, it needs public interest. and on first look needs public interest. and on first took at _ needs public interest. and on first took at the — needs public interest. and on first look at the video, before the context— look at the video, before the context of the past few weeks, that bahoui _ context of the past few weeks, that bahoui didn't feel was met. but when paper— bahoui didn't feel was met. but when paper published her story, and the denials— paper published her story, and the denials began coming out of downing street, _ denials began coming out of downing street, the public interest transformed, because we were able to demonstrate that perhaps what downing street were telling us wasn't — downing street were telling us wasn't quite in line with the way they— wasn't quite in line with the way they were — wasn't quite in line with the way they were talking behind—the—scenes around _ they were talking behind—the—scenes around the _ they were talking behind—the—scenes around the time that the party is alleged — around the time that the party is alleged to have taken place full stop alleged to have taken place full sto ; ., alleged to have taken place full sto_ ., ., ., , alleged to have taken place full sto ; ., ., ., , . alleged to have taken place full sto_ ., ., ., , . ., .~ stop now, hold on, 'ust want to make sure i've stop now, hold on, just want to make sure i've understood _ stop now, hold on, just want to make sure i've understood this, _ stop now, hold on, just want to make sure i've understood this, paul. - sure i've understood this, paul. you'd heard about the video, does that mean somebody had actually told you i've got a video, or maybe had even shown you the video but said were not going to give you a copy of it yet, or you just heard rumours around westminster that a video might exist and someone might have it? ~ �* , might exist and someone might have it? . �* , ., ~ might exist and someone might have it? ~ �* , ., ~ ., might exist and someone might have it? , ., it? we've been working on the story for several weeks. _ it? we've been working on the story for several weeks. so _ it? we've been working on the story for several weeks. so we _ it? we've been working on the story for several weeks. so we were - it? we've been working on the story| for several weeks. so we were aware of the _ for several weeks. so we were aware of the video. — for several weeks. so we were aware of the video, and we were working through— of the video, and we were working through the legals, and we have a fantastic— through the legals, and we have a fantastic lawyer here, john battle, who was— fantastic lawyer here, john battle, who was working with us in great detail— who was working with us in great detail on— who was working with us in great detail on all of that. but like i say, — detail on all of that. but like i say, things changed when paper's story— say, things changed when paper's story was— say, things changed when paper's story was published. we say, things changed when paper's story was published.— say, things changed when paper's story was published. we were looking at the video and _ story was published. we were looking at the video and the _ story was published. we were looking at the video and the impact _ story was published. we were looking at the video and the impact it - story was published. we were looking at the video and the impact it has - at the video and the impact it has had, and we know to some questions coming up again and again about it, so if you don't mind, just like to ask you then. did itv pay for the video? ., ., _ ., video? no, we did not pay for the video. video? no, we did not pay for the video- and _ video? no, we did not pay for the video. and why _ video? no, we did not pay for the video. and why did _ video? no, we did not pay for the video. and why did you _ video? no, we did not pay for the video. and why did you choose i video? no, we did not pay for the video. and why did you choose to | video. and why did you choose to blur some — video. and why did you choose to blur some faces _ video. and why did you choose to blur some faces in _ video. and why did you choose to blur some faces in it _ video. and why did you choose to blur some faces in it but - video. and why did you choose to blur some faces in it but not i blur some faces in it but not everyone's? 50 blur some faces in it but not everyone's?_ blur some faces in it but not eve one's? . . . , blur some faces in it but not eve one's? ., ., ., , everyone's? so again that comes back to the public— everyone's? so again that comes back to the public interest, _ everyone's? so again that comes back to the public interest, and _ to the public interest, and obviously the repercussions for those _ obviously the repercussions for those who were identified can be quite _ those who were identified can be quite severe, as we have seen with attegra _ quite severe, as we have seen with allegra stratton's resignation todav, — allegra stratton's resignation today, and we felt that we only wanted — today, and we felt that we only wanted to identify those people who had said _ wanted to identify those people who had said something that was in the public— had said something that was in the public interest, and there were people — public interest, and there were people in— public interest, and there were people in the room who were participants but perhaps not particularly active participants of the rehearsal that day, all they had made _ the rehearsal that day, all they had made interventions that we didn't feel made interventions that we didn't feet met — made interventions that we didn't feel met that test of being in the public— feel met that test of being in the public interest. and feel met that test of being in the public interest.— public interest. and the final . uestion public interest. and the final question we've _ public interest. and the final question we've seen - public interest. and the final question we've seen being . public interest. and the final i question we've seen being asked a lot is whether this was filmed off a screen, or whether it is actually the original video.— screen, or whether it is actually the original video. that's something that i can't the original video. that's something that i can't get _ the original video. that's something that i can't get into _ the original video. that's something that i can't get into with _ the original video. that's something that i can't get into with you, - that i can't get into with you, because, _ that i can't get into with you, because, as people were saying eartier, — because, as people were saying earlier, protection of our sources isjust— earlier, protection of our sources isiust of— earlier, protection of our sources isjust of the earlier, protection of our sources is just of the utmost earlier, protection of our sources isjust of the utmost importance to us, and _ isjust of the utmost importance to us, and that— isjust of the utmost importance to us, and that means notjust protecting the sources identity, but protecting the sources identity, but protecting how material comes into our hands — protecting how material comes into our hands. , . ., protecting how material comes into our hands. , . . , our hands. pippa and paul, i must ask ou, our hands. pippa and paul, i must ask you. when _ our hands. pippa and paul, i must ask you, when you're _ our hands. pippa and paul, i must ask you, when you're in _ our hands. pippa and paul, i must ask you, when you're in the i our hands. pippa and paul, i must| ask you, when you're in the middle of the maelstrom, when the information is out there and it's having an impact, are you talking to the sources who gave you this information? pippa, are you in touch with them, saying look, i told you if you had given me this information it would have this impact? i am if you had given me this information it would have this impact?— it would have this impact? i am in touch with — it would have this impact? i am in touch with sources, _ it would have this impact? i am in touch with sources, but _ it would have this impact? i am in touch with sources, but normallyl it would have this impact? i am in i touch with sources, but normally and certainly in this case it is more of the case of, you know, are you ok, how are you finding all of this? almost like a support i guess. so there is a duty of care? almost like a support i guess. sol there is a duty of care? definitely, absolutely. _ there is a duty of care? definitely, absolutely, and _ there is a duty of care? definitely, absolutely, and that _ there is a duty of care? definitely, absolutely, and that continues. i l there is a duty of care? definitely, l absolutely, and that continues. i am still in touch with some sources from the barnard castle school, that goes on for a very long time. pauli. goes on for a very long time. paul, have ou goes on for a very long time. paul, have you spoken — goes on for a very long time. paul, have you spoken to _ goes on for a very long time. paul, have you spoken to the _ goes on for a very long time. paul, have you spoken to the person i goes on for a very long time. paul, have you spoken to the person who gave you the video? irate have you spoken to the person who gave you the video?— have you spoken to the person who gave you the video? we have done, and i gave you the video? we have done, and i would — gave you the video? we have done, and i would absolutely _ gave you the video? we have done, and i would absolutely repeat i gave you the video? we have done, and i would absolutely repeat what| and i would absolutely repeat what pippa _ and i would absolutely repeat what pippa has— and i would absolutely repeat what pippa hasjust said about duty and i would absolutely repeat what pippa has just said about duty of care and — pippa has just said about duty of care and that some you have to bear in mind _ care and that some you have to bear in mind all— care and that some you have to bear in mind allthe care and that some you have to bear in mind all the way through. we are used _ in mind all the way through. we are used to— in mind all the way through. we are used to operating an immediate environment. often the sources we are speaking to have no experience whatsoever of the media, until the point _ whatsoever of the media, until the point at _ whatsoever of the media, until the point at which they are thrust into that spotlight, and that to some degree — that spotlight, and that to some degree was the case with our source for our— degree was the case with our source for our story— degree was the case with our source for our story yesterday, so we absolutely have a duty of care to them, _ absolutely have a duty of care to them, to — absolutely have a duty of care to them, to make sure they are ok, that they are _ them, to make sure they are ok, that they are dealing with that pressure 0k. they are dealing with that pressure ok. because they are anxious, like any source — ok. because they are anxious, like any source would be, about being found _ any source would be, about being found out, — any source would be, about being found out, and we have to make sure that we _ found out, and we have to make sure that we kind — found out, and we have to make sure that we kind of hold their hand through— that we kind of hold their hand through that, really.— that we kind of hold their hand through that, really. thank you very much to pippa _ through that, really. thank you very much to pippa and _ through that, really. thank you very much to pippa and to _ through that, really. thank you very much to pippa and to paul. - through that, really. thank you very much to pippa and to paul. if - through that, really. thank you very much to pippa and to paul. if you i much to pippa and to paul. if you would like to see that clip or share it with anyone you can find it on my twitter account right now. stay with us on outside source — still to come... as germany and other countries pass penalties for people refusing refusing a covid vaccine, we look at the rights and wrongs of mandatory vaccination. new zealand is proposing some of the toughest anti—smoking laws in the world, to try to stamp out the habit. under the plans, anyone born after 2008 will never legally be able to buy cigarettes in their lifetime. it's part of a package of measures, including reducing the numbers of licensed tobacco shops from 8,000 to 500. convenience stores have warned the move could create a black market for tobacco. lucy grey reports. at the moment, you have to be 18 to buy cigarettes in new zealand, but under planned new laws, anyone under the age of m will never be able to buy cigarettes legally. the age limit will then be increased every year until the whole country is smoke free. we want to make sure young people never start smoking. so, we are legislating for a smoke—free generation by making it an offence to sell or supply tobacco products to those aged ilt, when the law comes into effect. as they age, they and future generations will never legally be able to purchase tobacco, because the truth is there is no safe age to start smoking. the government particularly wants to help maori smokers kick the habit. i reckon it's a good move, really. because, right now, there's a lot of young kids walking around with smokes in their mouth. how are they getting these smokes? and it's also good for myself, too, so i can save more money. if people still want to smoke, well, they can just grow their own, - which they are doing. maybe it's a good idea because, at the end of the day, smoking is bad for you and it's really hard to quit. so being a smoker and going through all this, i know that, so maybe it's all this, i know that, so maybe it's a good thing at the end of the day, because forcing people to sort of quit, or cut down a little bit, sol mean i have nothing really against that. the new legislation, being introduced to parliament next year, will also only allow cigarettes with low levels of nicotine, and reduce the number of shops selling them. this is outside source live from the bbc newsroom. our lead story... pressure is mounting on the uk prime minister borisjohnson as an investigation expands, into covid—rule breaking at parties in downing street. every week, we make an in—depth report for the bbc news website and, for the those of you in the uk, for iplayer too. this time, it's on the issue of compulsory covid vaccinations. and the moral arguments both for, and against. this week, borisjohnson turned to theissue this week, borisjohnson turned to the issue of compulsory covid vaccinations. i the issue of compulsory covid vaccinations.— the issue of compulsory covid vaccinations. ., �* , vaccinations. i don't believe we can keep going — vaccinations. i don't believe we can keep going indefinitely _ vaccinations. i don't believe we can keep going indefinitely with - keep going indefinitely with non—pharmaceutical interventions, i mean restrictions on people's way of life, and i think we're going to need to have a national conversation about the way forward. the need to have a national conversation about the way forward.— about the way forward. the prime minister wants _ about the way forward. the prime minister wants this _ about the way forward. the prime minister wants this national i minister wants this national conversation because he knows this pandemic isn't over. covid daily infection rates in europe are going up. infection rates in the us are also going up. and when we look at deaths and hospitalisations, there a pattern. brute deaths and hospitalisations, there a attern. ~ . , , , ., pattern. we are seeing is still a andemic pattern. we are seeing is still a pandemic of— pattern. we are seeing is still a pandemic of the _ pattern. we are seeing is still a pandemic of the unvaccinated l pattern. we are seeing is still a i pandemic of the unvaccinated here, with more _ pandemic of the unvaccinated here, with more than 1000 deaths a day in the us, _ with more than 1000 deaths a day in the us, almost entirely of unvaccinated individuals. that's the us. it's unvaccinated individuals. that's the us- it's the — unvaccinated individuals. that's the us. it's the same _ unvaccinated individuals. that's the us. it's the same in _ unvaccinated individuals. that's the us. it's the same in germany. it's l us. it's the same in germany. it's very difficult _ us. it's the same in germany. it's very difficult to get staff motivated _ very difficult to get staff motivated to _ very difficult to get staff motivated to treat i very difficult to get staff. motivated to treat patients very difficult to get staff- motivated to treat patients now in this fourth— motivated to treat patients now in this fourth wave. _ motivated to treat patients now in this fourth wave. we _ motivated to treat patients now in this fourth wave. we are - motivated to treat patients now in this fourth wave. we are still i this fourth wave. we are still seeing — this fourth wave. we are still seeing so _ this fourth wave. we are still seeing so many— this fourth wave. we are still seeing so many patients- this fourth wave. we are still seeing so many patients that this fourth wave. we are still i seeing so many patients that are this fourth wave. we are still - seeing so many patients that are not vaccinated — seeing so many patients that are not vaccinated. ~ , , , vaccinated. misses the point we have reached with vaccination. the - reached with vaccination. the percentage of the overall population fully vaccinated in these richer nations is between 60 and 70%. compare that with africa, where fewer than 8% of people are double jabbed. and these vaccination rates are a problem three times over. first, even in the richest countries, health care systems are still exposed. listen to angela merkel, as she stepped down as germany's chancellor. translation: in some parts of the country, you can only describe it as dramatic. overfilled intensive care units, severely ill people who have to be flown across germany to get the care they need. the flown across germany to get the care the need. , . ., flown across germany to get the care the need. , .., ,, flown across germany to get the care the need. , ,, , . they need. the second issue is that if the developing _ they need. the second issue is that if the developing world _ they need. the second issue is that if the developing world is _ they need. the second issue is that if the developing world is under i if the developing world is under vaccinated, covid has a better chance of mutating. you vaccinated, covid has a better chance of mutating. you know, every erson chance of mutating. you know, every person who — chance of mutating. you know, every person who is — chance of mutating. you know, every person who is rrot — chance of mutating. you know, every person who is not immune _ chance of mutating. you know, every person who is not immune to - chance of mutating. you know, every person who is not immune to this i person who is not immune to this virus _ person who is not immune to this virus is _ person who is not immune to this virus is essentially a viral factory, _ virus is essentially a viral factory, and a viral factory is a variant— factory, and a viral factory is a variant factory, so we just have to .et variant factory, so we just have to get the _ variant factory, so we just have to get the world immunised. the third factor is the — get the world immunised. the third factor is the new _ get the world immunised. the third factor is the new variant, _ get the world immunised. the third factor is the new variant, omicron. | factor is the new variant, omicron. certain features of omicron, including _ certain features of omicron, including its— certain features of omicron, including its global- certain features of omicron, including its global spread . certain features of omicron, l including its global spread and large — including its global spread and large number— including its global spread and large number of— including its global spread and large number of mutations i including its global spread and i large number of mutations suggest including its global spread and - large number of mutations suggest it could have _ large number of mutations suggest it could have a — large number of mutations suggest it could have a major— large number of mutations suggest it could have a major impact _ large number of mutations suggest it could have a major impact on - large number of mutations suggest it could have a major impact on the i could have a major impact on the course _ could have a major impact on the course of— could have a major impact on the course of the _ could have a major impact on the course of the pandemic. - could have a major impact on the course of the pandemic. tind- could have a major impact on the course of the pandemic. and when faced with this, _ course of the pandemic. and when faced with this, there _ course of the pandemic. and when faced with this, there is _ course of the pandemic. and when faced with this, there is a - course of the pandemic. and when faced with this, there is a further i faced with this, there is a further problem, because governments have been asking people to get vaccinated for months and it has not been enough. austria's former chancellor admits as much. brute enough. austria's former chancellor admits as much.— admits as much. we have done ten months of campaigning, _ admits as much. we have done ten months of campaigning, of- admits as much. we have done ten months of campaigning, of trying l admits as much. we have done ten | months of campaigning, of trying to persuade people, but still we have a certain share, nearly one third of the population, which is hesitant. the question now is what to do about that, and in austria's case, it has decided to make covid jab mandatory from february. it is a big move, it is the first european country to do so and here is the justification. is the first european country to do so and here is thejustification. brute so and here is the 'ustification. we want to so and here is the justification. - want to break out of the vicious circle of virus waves and discussions about lockdowns, and the only exit ticket we have is the vaccine. �* . �* , only exit ticket we have is the vaccine. . . �* , ~ , ., vaccine. and if that's austria, the euro ean vaccine. and if that's austria, the european union _ vaccine. and if that's austria, the european union is _ vaccine. and if that's austria, the european union is also _ vaccine. and if that's austria, the european union is also explicit i european union is also explicit about its thinking. it is about its thinking. it is understandable i about its thinking. it is understandable and i about its thinking. it is understandable and appropriate to lead this— understandable and appropriate to lead this discussion now how we can encourage _ lead this discussion now how we can encourage and potentially think about— encourage and potentially think about mandatory vaccination within the european union. this needs discussion _ the european union. this needs discussion-— the european union. this needs discussion. . . ., , discussion. individual eu countries will make their _ discussion. individual eu countries will make their own _ discussion. individual eu countries will make their own decisions i discussion. individual eu countries will make their own decisions on i will make their own decisions on this. austria already has, enabling germany, —— in neighbouring germany the new chancellor olaf scholz says he wants to make new vaccines mandatory, and in germany you can only go into leisure facilities, entertainment venues and many shops if you have had the jabbed or recently recovered. and italy requires proof of vaccination and arrange a range of places including public transport. then there is new york city, which has vaccine requirements for children as young as five and four workers in the public and private sectors, and this is the justification from the city's mare. is the 'ustification from the city's mare. ~ h, ., is the 'ustification from the city's mare. ~ ., ., is the 'ustification from the city's mare. ., ., , ., , mare. we cannot have shutdowns here in new york — mare. we cannot have shutdowns here in new york city. _ mare. we cannot have shutdowns here in new york city, we've _ mare. we cannot have shutdowns here in new york city, we've got _ mare. we cannot have shutdowns here in new york city, we've got to - mare. we cannot have shutdowns here in new york city, we've got to keep . in new york city, we've got to keep moving _ in new york city, we've got to keep moving forward, _ in new york city, we've got to keep moving forward, and _ in new york city, we've got to keep moving forward, and the _ in new york city, we've got to keep moving forward, and the answer. in new york city, we've got to keep moving forward, and the answer is| moving forward, and the answer is always— moving forward, and the answer is always is_ moving forward, and the answer is always is to — moving forward, and the answer is always is to use _ moving forward, and the answer is always is to use the _ moving forward, and the answer is always is to use the things - moving forward, and the answer is always is to use the things that. always is to use the things that work _ always is to use the things that work. vaccination— always is to use the things that work. vaccination works - always is to use the things that work. vaccination works and i always is to use the things that - work. vaccination works and vaccine mandates _ work. vaccination works and vaccine mandates breakfast _ work. vaccination works and vaccine mandates breakfast at _ work. vaccination works and vaccine mandates breakfast at but - work. vaccination works and vaccine mandates breakfast at but if- work. vaccination works and vaccine mandates breakfast a— mandates breakfast at but if they work as the _ mandates breakfast at but if they work as the mayor _ mandates breakfast at but if they work as the mayor says, - mandates breakfast at but if they work as the mayor says, why - mandates breakfast at but if they work as the mayor says, why do | mandates breakfast at but if they - work as the mayor says, why do some people oppose vaccine mandates? well, first of all there is the debate around individual liberty. we are debate around individual liberty. , are a free country. i think everybody is, you know, entitled to their own opinion. if we are going to be mandated to have the vaccine, i think our freedom is to be mandated to have the vaccine, i think ourfreedom is being suppressed. but i think our freedom is being suopressed-_ i think our freedom is being su--ressed. �* . ., suppressed. but this connection between mandates _ suppressed. but this connection between mandates and - suppressed. but this connection between mandates and a - suppressed. but this connection between mandates and a loss i suppressed. but this connection j between mandates and a loss of freedom is rejected by some. stay cable is a presenter on time's radio. he argues not being vaccinated during a pandemic is an act of selfishness hiding behind the facade of individual liberty. we have heard similar arguments from presidentjoe biden, as he's made the case of a vaccine mandates. it the case of a vaccine mandates. it is not about freedom or personal choice. _ is not about freedom or personal choice. it's— is not about freedom or personal choice, it's about protecting yourself _ choice, it's about protecting yourself and those around you. but not yourself and those around you. not everyone yourself and those around you. emit not everyone is buying this. i don't�*s push for a nationwide vaccine mandates a private business is being challenged in the courts, and republicans are among the most vocal critics will stop this is the governor of alabama tweeting i will call the bride and vaccine mandate nonsense what it is, and that is an un—american, outrageous overreach. overreach of government, suppression of freedom, these are two criticisms. here in the uk, health secretary sajid javid has other concerns too. i secretary sajid javid has other concerns too.— concerns too. i think it is unethical. _ concerns too. i think it is unethical, and _ concerns too. i think it is unethical, and also - concerns too. i think it is unethical, and also i- concerns too. i think it is l unethical, and also i think concerns too. i think it is - unethical, and also i think at a practical level, having some kind of universal mandate for a vaccination doesn't work. universal mandate for a vaccination doesn't work-— universal mandate for a vaccination doesn't work. there is another issue as well, doesn't work. there is another issue as well. that — doesn't work. there is another issue as well, that forcing _ doesn't work. there is another issue as well, that forcing people - doesn't work. there is another issue as well, that forcing people to - doesn't work. there is another issue as well, that forcing people to do i as well, that forcing people to do something may deepen their resolve not to do it. this is the academic stephen riker. for not to do it. this is the academic stephen riker.— not to do it. this is the academic stephen riker. for people who do have doubts. _ stephen riker. for people who do have doubts, who _ stephen riker. for people who do have doubts, who are _ stephen riker. for people who do have doubts, who are suspicious i have doubts, who are suspicious about— have doubts, who are suspicious about vaccines, _ have doubts, who are suspicious about vaccines, then _ have doubts, who are suspicious about vaccines, then introducing more _ about vaccines, then introducing more draconian— about vaccines, then introducing more draconian measures - about vaccines, then introducing more draconian measures doesl about vaccines, then introducing - more draconian measures does make them _ more draconian measures does make them more _ more draconian measures does make them more resistant. _ more draconian measures does make them more resistant. we _ more draconian measures does make them more resistant.— them more resistant. we are seeing resistance to — them more resistant. we are seeing resistance to stricter _ them more resistant. we are seeing resistance to stricter covid - them more resistant. we are seeing resistance to stricter covid rules. i resistance to stricter covid rules. these are protesters in austria earlier this month. they have also been protests in germany, the netherlands and several other countries too, this isn'tjust about a mistrust of government, it's also about a mistrust in health care, something that could be exacerbated by vaccine mandates.— by vaccine mandates. there are otential by vaccine mandates. there are potential downsides _ by vaccine mandates. there are potential downsides of - by vaccine mandates. there are potential downsides of course, | by vaccine mandates. there are i potential downsides of course, in terms of decreasing trust in the medical system, decreasing trust in doctors in general, which could have negative consequences in the future. eroding trust in doctors as a possible risk, if vaccines are mandated, and then another argument against doing this is that covid isn't the only cause a pressure on health care systems. in an article in the guardian newspaper, this professor is quoted, saying that... some would say covid vaccines are being used precisely to avoid health care collapse, though. and while we consider all of these arguments, it's worth remembering, compulsory vaccines didn't arrive with this pandemic. back in the 19th century, vaccine mandates were used widely in europe to tackle smallpox. right now, many health care workers are told they have to get the flu vaccine. vaccine mandates have saved many lives, and the greek prime minister hopes this approach can work for covid. he is announcing compulsory vaccines for the over 165. compulsory vaccines for the over 16s. translation: j compulsory vaccines for the over 16s. translation:— compulsory vaccines for the over 165. translation: 16s. translation: i have no doubt that there political _ 16s. translation: i have no doubt that there political decision - 16s. translation: i have no doubt that there political decision will- that there political decision will save human lives, because vaccination becomes more thanjust compulsory, it saves lives. it's necessary to help. it's necessary for the whole society.— for the whole society. there is a scientific consensus _ for the whole society. there is a scientific consensus that - for the whole society. there is a scientific consensus that higher| scientific consensus that higher vaccination rates are desirable but there is no consensus about whether to compel people to get vaccinated is a good idea, and the world health organization in europe has this morning. organization in europe has this morninu. . , organization in europe has this mornin. ., , ., ., organization in europe has this mornin. ., ., ., ., morning. mandates around vaccination are an absolute _ morning. mandates around vaccination are an absolute last _ morning. mandates around vaccination are an absolute last resort, _ morning. mandates around vaccination are an absolute last resort, and - are an absolute last resort, and only applicable when all other feasible options to improve vaccination uptake have been exhausted to stop— vaccination uptake have been exhausted to stop evidently, some countries believe _ exhausted to stop evidently, some countries believe they _ exhausted to stop evidently, some countries believe they have - exhausted to stop evidently, some | countries believe they have reached that point and the polling suggests the public in some western countries may be on site. take germany, a survey by dsp core found 72% of germans in favour of compulsory vaccines, 20% were against. but even if governments mandate vaccines, evenif if governments mandate vaccines, even if the public is persuaded, even if the public is persuaded, evenif even if the public is persuaded, even if the public is persuaded, even if the court battles are overcome, this can only be part of the equation for the us and europe, because, once again, we need to play that famous phrase from dr ted ross. none of us are safe until all of us are safe — none of us are safe until all of us are safe this _ none of us are safe until all of us are safe. this is _ none of us are safe until all of us are safe. this is where _ none of us are safe until all of us are safe. this is where the - none of us are safe until all of us are safe. this is where the issuel are safe. this is where the issue gets— are safe. this is where the issue gets even— are safe. this is where the issue gets even more _ are safe. this is where the issue gets even more complicated - are safe. this is where the issue - gets even more complicated because those _ gets even more complicated because those in _ gets even more complicated because those in the — gets even more complicated because those in the west _ gets even more complicated because those in the west criticising - gets even more complicated because those in the west criticising people l those in the west criticising people not getting — those in the west criticising people not getting the _ those in the west criticising people not getting the also _ those in the west criticising people not getting the also benefiting - not getting the also benefiting governments _ not getting the also benefiting governments who _ not getting the also benefiting governments who are, - not getting the also benefiting governments who are, so - not getting the also benefiting governments who are, so yes, not getting the also benefiting - governments who are, so yes, the number of vaccinated people is a threat, —— unvaccinated people, but mandating pointjust that. there needs to be a fairer distribution of vaccines too. you can find more reports from me and the team elsewhere on the bbc. -- dr —— dr tedros. there are shorter versions of our video is also available through the bbc news website. if that wasn't enough options for you, well, you can also follow me on twitter. that is where we tweet out all of the clips from the programme. just a quick reminder of the lead story in this hour, that there is growing pressure on borisjohnson. questions remain about the funding of the refurbishment of his flat. questions remain about alleged parties in downing street in the weeks running up downing street in the weeks running up to christmas last year, and some of his own conservative mps are not happy about his plans to expand covert restrictions, and are making their concerns heard. more on that of course coming up on bbc news, but thanks for watching. hello, again. we've got a big change in our weather patterns over the next couple of days, as we replace chilly feeling weather with whether that's going to become very mild indeed for december. a beautiful stuck to the day, we had a number of these sunrise pictures sent to us this morning. the sunrise illuminating this cloud that has been moving in ever since. and this cloud will be bringing some rain our way, followed by colder air of north—westerly winds pushing in on friday, but that's going to be the last of the cooler kind of days for a while. overnight tonight, this band of rain does push its way eastwards, quite slowly clearing away from the east coast of east anglia and kent. what follows later on in the night is a number of showers, and some of those will be wintry into north—west scotland, with some sleet and a little bit of hill snow, there will be a risk of some icy patches, as temperatures get down low enough to get some patches of frost. a chilly start to the day on friday but friday is a day of sunshine and showers, chilly north—westerly winds driving those showers through. again, a little bit of sleet or hill snoano showers across northern areas, no shower getting pushed across north—west england, north wales, down into the midlands and perhaps one or two reaching the far south of england. temperatures still around six or seven celsius. however as we head into the weekend, we get the wins changing to a south—westerly direction, increasingly dragging up some very mild air and pushing it northwards and eastwards across the uk. so, saturday, probably starting off on a murky note with some mist and fog patches around the hills across the south—west and probably around the coast as well. some rain around, quite heavy across western areas, but the rain not really amounting to too much across eastern areas. we are starting to get the signs of that milder air working and with temperatures 12 in plymouth, cardiff and belfast, but still quite chilly around eastern scotland, eastern england, temperatures around or seven. eastern england, temperatures around orseven. but eastern england, temperatures around or seven. but as we get into sunday, though south—westerly winds extend further, could be quite strong winds we have across parts of the far north—west of the uk, with rain never far away here. a lot of cloud around but those temperatures will continue to climb. highs of ia degrees in cardiff, london and norwich, much warmer than it has been so far this month. still something a little bit cooler across the very far north of scotland, but even deep into next week we're going to keep those mild weather conditions as we slowly get a little bit closer to christmas. this is bbc news i'm shaun ley. the headlines at eight... an investigation into government christmas parties during covid restrictions last year widens amidst claims there were others. and now more questions over whether borisjohnson misled an investigation into how the downing street flat refurbishments were paid for. what we need now is a bit of grip from number ten. what we need now is a bit of grip from numberten. it what we need now is a bit of grip from number ten. it is no good having the stories dragged out by the media. the government needs to make a clean breast of it, get everything out in the open. transparency is always the best policy. england's plan b covid restrictions in the run up to christmas — hospitality businesses fear a collapse in demand at their busiest time of year. the impact of covid continues — the number of people now waiting for routine treatment in england