because of a rise in cases of the omicron variant. in other headlines... guilty of faking a hate crime, american actor — jussie smollett — is conivcted by a jury in chicago. the un calls for urgent aid for madagascar — after a prolonged drought has left more than a million on the brink of starvation. we have a special report. the chancellor warns of bumps in the road as official figures show the uk economy grew byjust 0.1% in october. hello, good morning. borisjohnson is facing yet more questions about the party held at downing street last december — in apparent breach of coronavirus restrictions — after it emerged the man running the government's communications team was one of the guests. it's understood that jack doyle made a speech at the chriistmas event and handed out awards to press office staff. number 10 has repeatedly denied the party took place or that any covid rules were broken — despite a video emerging on tuesday which showed downing street officials joking about it. in a separate development, mrjohnson�*s adviser on standards is reported to be seeking clarification following claims that the prime minister gave him misleading information about the refurbishment of his downing street flat. and tory backbenchers are expected to mount a substantial rebellion next week over new covid measures. face masks become compulsory in many indoor public venues in england today, and more restrictions will be introduced next week — as lebo diseko reports. a night out in london's west end. at this theatre, covid measures are already familiar. but from this morning, one more is back. anyone wanting to come and see a show will have to wear a mask. i'm happy with it. well, if you've got to wear it, you've got to wear it. for the owner of this theatre, the new government rules provide clarity and she thinks could help protect her business. i we are delighted that we can stay. open at 100% capacity because none of the big shows can stay open at 50% capacity, which - is what we had before — _ and 100% capacity, we can be open, we can welcome people, - we can keep our industry going. the new mask rules apply to england and bring it in line with the rest of the uk. you'll have to wear a face covering in most indoor public venues, like cinemas, theatres and places of worship. they had already been reintroduced in other places, like hairdressers, shops and public transport. you won't have to wear one in pubs or bars, or if you're exempt for medical reasons. but it's that curtailment of freedoms that worries some conservative mps. they're also angry about covid passports and advice to work from home, which take effect next week, so much so that they're threatening to vote against them. ijust find it so depressing that we're back reimposing covid restrictions. i mean, they are... they're a lot, a lot... a lot more of a lighter touch than previous episodes of new variants. but here in the capital centre for entertainment, the hope is that these restrictions will save us from even stricter ones in the coming weeks. lebo diseko, bbc news. as we've heard, people in england will be required to wear face coverings in cinemas, theatres and places of worship from today. dr thomas waite is the deputy chief medical officer for england and explained a little earlier how the omicron variant is spreading — and why the new restrictions are proportionate. it reflects the way that this virus is spreading really so very quickly, notiust_ is spreading really so very quickly, notjust here and notjust in south africa, _ notjust here and notjust in south africa, who — notjust here and notjust in south africa, who have been really extremely helpful to the rest of the world _ extremely helpful to the rest of the world in_ extremely helpful to the rest of the world in sharing this information early— world in sharing this information early and — world in sharing this information early and quickly, but all over the world _ early and quickly, but all over the world i_ early and quickly, but all over the world. i think the omicron virus has now been_ world. i think the omicron virus has now been found in at least 60 different — now been found in at least 60 different countries. there isn't a single _ different countries. there isn't a single marker that allows us to understand or to assess the effectiveness of interventions. it is about — effectiveness of interventions. it is about the number of cases, how rapidly— is about the number of cases, how rapidly they— is about the number of cases, how rapidly they are spreading, who they are spreading in, and that is one of the reasons— are spreading in, and that is one of the reasons that the vaccine programme has started with people who are _ programme has started with people who are most vulnerable. older people. — who are most vulnerable. older people, people in care homes, because — people, people in care homes, because they are people who are always _ because they are people who are always at — because they are people who are always at risk with this virus when there _ always at risk with this virus when there are — always at risk with this virus when there are any variants. at risk of severe _ there are any variants. at risk of severe illness or ending up in hospital _ severe illness or ending up in hospital. more and more people eligible — hospital. more and more people eligible for the vaccine, and i would — eligible for the vaccine, and i would really urge people to do so as soon as— would really urge people to do so as soon as they have that. let's speak to our political correspondent, ione wells, who's in westminster. let's focus on what happened last christmas with those parties. it has emerged thatjack christmas with those parties. it has emerged that jack doyle from the communications team at downing street was at one of these parties. and yet, he is the man who has been communicating the government's message that there was no party and no restrictions were broken.— no restrictions were broken. that's exactly right. _ no restrictions were broken. that's exactly right, then. _ no restrictions were broken. that's exactly right, then. many - no restrictions were broken. that's exactly right, then. many people i exactly right, then. many people might— exactly right, then. many people might not— exactly right, then. many people might not have heard the name jack doyle _ might not have heard the name jack doyle before, but jack doyle is downing — doyle before, but jack doyle is downing street's director of communications. that means he is essentially— communications. that means he is essentially in charge of leading their— essentially in charge of leading their press team, telling them what their press team, telling them what their government lines are on any particular— their government lines are on any particular issue of the day. at the moment, — particular issue of the day. at the moment, the issue at the date has been _ moment, the issue at the date has been this— moment, the issue at the date has been this christmas party last year on the _ been this christmas party last year on the 18th of december, and the government line so far over the last eight _ government line so far over the last eight days— government line so far over the last eight days or so has been firstly that ho— eight days or so has been firstly that no party took place, and then that no party took place, and then that ho— that no party took place, and then that no rules were broken, with the prime _ that no rules were broken, with the prime minister himself repeatedly saying _ prime minister himself repeatedly saying that he wasn't aware of any gathering, — saying that he wasn't aware of any gathering, but if it happens then all rules— gathering, but if it happens then all rules were followed. but hasn't really _ all rules were followed. but hasn't really adequately explain how that can be _ really adequately explain how that can be possible and how rules were followed _ can be possible and how rules were followed when this gathering took place _ followed when this gathering took place at _ followed when this gathering took place at a time when london was under— place at a time when london was under coronavirus restrictions. the fact that _ under coronavirus restrictions. the fact that jack doyle himself was at this gathering raises further questions for the government, given he is the _ questions for the government, given he is the one responsible for putting — he is the one responsible for putting out at this messaging. we understand that jack doyle was at the gathering, was giving speeches, hahdihg _ the gathering, was giving speeches, handing out awards to members of staff, _ handing out awards to members of staff, as _ handing out awards to members of staff, as well as also attending coronavirus meetings in number ten that evening. i think this is particularly damaging as well, as we know from _ particularly damaging as well, as we know from the dominic cummings ihcideht _ know from the dominic cummings incident last year as well, when one of the _ incident last year as well, when one of the government's own senior advisers — of the government's own senior advisers become the story as or themselves, it becomes an uncomfortable position for them. even _ uncomfortable position for them. even today, the government's own minister. _ even today, the government's own minister, paul scully, told the bbc that this _ minister, paul scully, told the bbc that this had been a particularly difficult — that this had been a particularly difficult week for the government. look, i feel very comfortable about the prime minister's integrity. clearly, though, i don't feel comfortable about the fact that it has been a difficult week for the government and we haven't been able to get across the measures that we are making, for example, on national minimum wage, about giving the lowest paid, recovering £2 million for the lowest paid in society, the fact that we're working with the hospitality sector to make sure their rent debts can get paid. all of those things are, unfortunately, in communications getting lost because of the situation. that is what i feel really uncomfortable about. admitting that the government announcement is announcements this week, _ announcement is announcements this week, whether about covid—19 restrictions are tackling crime, being — restrictions are tackling crime, being overshadowed by the attention on this— being overshadowed by the attention on this downing street party. in a way, _ on this downing street party. in a way, there — on this downing street party. in a way, there are, a point being made about— way, there are, a point being made about the _ way, there are, a point being made about the coming out this week, which _ about the coming out this week, which is — about the coming out this week, which is why it is particularly significant that the government's and communications director was one of those _ and communications director was one of those he _ and communications director was one of those he was at the party. as well _ of those he was at the party. as well as— of those he was at the party. as well as this, there is also growing pressure — well as this, there is also growing pressure on — well as this, there is also growing pressure on the government from its own conservative mps over plans for those _ own conservative mps over plans for those new _ own conservative mps over plans for those new restrictions in england, particularly restriction —— introduction of passports. i understand certain ministers in his own government were also not happy about _ own government were also not happy about the _ own government were also not happy about the plans. as own government were also not happy about the plans— about the plans. as you were saying, the mantra from _ about the plans. as you were saying, the mantra from the _ about the plans. as you were saying, the mantra from the government - about the plans. as you were saying, the mantra from the government on | the mantra from the government on the mantra from the government on the christmas parties last year has been no rules were broken, that has also been the mantra on the question of the refurbishment of boris johnson's downing street flat. but that has also been called into question with claims that perhaps the premise to's standards adviser was misled by the prime minister, may be that he is even thinking of resigning. may be that he is even thinking of resiuanin. . v may be that he is even thinking of resiuanin. ., �*, , , resigning. that's right. this is basically in — resigning. that's right. this is basically in response - resigning. that's right. this is basically in response to - resigning. that's right. this is basically in response to an - basically in response to an investigation over have a big refurbishment of the prime minister and his— refurbishment of the prime minister and his wife's flat above number 11 in downing — and his wife's flat above number 11 in downing street was refurbished and how— in downing street was refurbished and how that refurbishment was financed — and how that refurbishment was financed. yesterday, the electoral commission fined the conservative party— commission fined the conservative party nearly £18,000 for failing to adequately declare how this donation was made _ adequately declare how this donation was made and to make the donation. what we _ was made and to make the donation. what we do _ was made and to make the donation. what we do know is that £52,000 was donated _ what we do know is that £52,000 was donated to _ what we do know is that £52,000 was donated to try and put money towards the cost _ donated to try and put money towards the cost of— donated to try and put money towards the cost of this refurbishment by the cost of this refurbishment by the conservative peer lord brownlow. his involvement in the general refurbishment of this fight was investigated earlier this year by the premise to's independent adviser on standards back in may. in may, he cleared _ on standards back in may. in may, he cleared the _ on standards back in may. in may, he cleared the prime minister of any breaches— cleared the prime minister of any breaches of the rules, and he said that the _ breaches of the rules, and he said that the prime minister had told him in may— that the prime minister had told him in may that he hadn't been aware of how this _ in may that he hadn't been aware of how this refurbishment had been funded _ how this refurbishment had been funded and the nature of the donations until february this year. now, _ donations until february this year. now, documents released by the electoral— now, documents released by the electoral commission say that boris johnson _ electoral commission say that boris johnson texted lord brownlow in november last year, asking about donations— november last year, asking about donations for the flat. that raises further— donations for the flat. that raises further questions about what the prime _ further questions about what the prime minister knew when and what he declared _ prime minister knew when and what he declared to— prime minister knew when and what he declared to his independent adviser. he is facing — declared to his independent adviser. he is facing allegations now from the labour party of misleading both the labour party of misleading both the public, — the labour party of misleading both the public, but also his own independent adviser about these donations. bbc understands that he was unhappy about these revelations from the _ was unhappy about these revelations from the electoral commission yesterday but hasn't yet seen the full evidence himself. as we understand it, not considering going anywhere _ understand it, not considering going anywhere just yet, but certainly, if he it transpires that he was misled by boris _ he it transpires that he was misled by borisjohnson, he may consider resigning — by borisjohnson, he may consider resigning his position. in terms of what _ resigning his position. in terms of what this— resigning his position. in terms of what this means for the prime minister— what this means for the prime minister as well, number what this means for the prime ministeras well, numberten what this means for the prime minister as well, number ten is still insisting that the prime minister followed the rules and that the prime _ minister followed the rules and that the prime minister wasn't aware of the prime minister wasn't aware of the true _ the prime minister wasn't aware of the true nature of some of these donations— the true nature of some of these donations until this year. and they claim _ donations until this year. and they claim that — donations until this year. and they claim that he hadn't misled his own independent adviser. but i think all of this— independent adviser. but i think all of this is— independent adviser. but i think all of this is adding to the mounting pressure — of this is adding to the mounting pressure on the prime minister this week, _ pressure on the prime minister this week, with — pressure on the prime minister this week, with this now being the latest story to _ week, with this now being the latest story to splash the front pages and contribute — story to splash the front pages and contribute as well to conservative mp anger— contribute as well to conservative mp anger overthe contribute as well to conservative mp anger over the government's messaging at the moment. thank you ve much messaging at the moment. thank you very much indeed. _ face coverings now needed when you go into indoor settings in england, like cinemas, theatres. in scotland, people are being urged to cancel christmas parties because of the rise in cases of the omicron variant. public health scotland says a number of outbreaks have been linked to christmas festivities, but the hospitality industry says the advice has come like a bolt from the blue. here's simonjones. just over two weeks to go until the big day. the party season would normally be in full swing, but in scotland, people are being asked to think again. dr nick fynn, the medical director of public health scotland, said... more than two million people have had a boosterjab in scotland, but public health officials say we still need to learn more about the severity of the disease caused by omicron and the effectiveness of the vaccines. speaking before the plea to postpone parties, scotland's national clinical director said there are important steps people can take to protect themselves and their families. i will be lateral flow testing before i do any dinners or if i go out. or if i have my family round. and my family will be doing lateral flow tests before they come for christmas dinner — i won't be checking my mum's certificate at the door. but my mum will be lateral flow tested before she comes and she's fully vaccinated. so that seems to me to be a small price to pay to be able to have a family christmas. the scottish government says it's urging everyone to follow the advice of public health scotland, but it remains advice, not a legal ban. the hospitality sector, though, says the christmas and hogmanay trade has been left in tatters. doesn't mean to say that people go home, put their pyjamas on and go to bed. all you're doing is driving them into the offices, where it may not be the safest places. you're drive them into homes for people to party. we are social animals and that's just the way we are. borisjohnson said on tuesday that he didn't want people to cancel christmas events, but the differing advice is leading to a lack of clarity in the run—up to christmas. simon jones, bbc news. stephen montgomery is from the scottish hospitality group — an organisation that supports scotland's hospitality. good morning from a cold lockerbie. this is certainly a bleak friday with an hospitality. it is all around the complete mixed messaging. two hours before the public health scotland statement, jason leech was asked about christmas, he said that if you do things properly we should be ok. so we have worked really hard over the last two or three weeks alongside government and come up with an agreement that we were all had a clear and concise message to socialise responsibly over the festive period, and that can be done in hospitality. we all know that hospitality has spent millions of pounds in scotland and throughout the rest of the uk in making their venues safe. so the statement coming out from public health scotland yesterday has just really thrown hospitality under the bus for christmas.— hospitality under the bus for christmas. , ., , . ., , hospitality under the bus for christmas. , . ., , , christmas. just to be clear, this is advice, christmas. just to be clear, this is advice. urging _ christmas. just to be clear, this is advice, urging from _ christmas. just to be clear, this is advice, urging from public - christmas. just to be clear, this is advice, urging from public health | advice, urging from public health scotland. it doesn't actually have legal force. scotland. it doesn't actually have legalforce. are scotland. it doesn't actually have legal force. are you scotland. it doesn't actually have legalforce. are you expecting people to follow that advice? i legal force. are you expecting people to follow that advice? i mean eo - le people to follow that advice? i mean people make — people to follow that advice? i mean people make op _ people to follow that advice? i mean people make up their— people to follow that advice? i mean people make up their own _ people to follow that advice? i mean people make up their own minds. i people make up their own minds. people will know and understand that hospitality is safe, and that is the message we need to get across. they are used to coming in to see what we do with our track and trace systems, the hygiene system we have, extra staff, all that kind of thing. mask wearing, what we have in scotland. what we don't want to see is the likes of the public health scotland statement coming out and driving people into house parties, pizzas in the boardroom, and places where it is unsafe. let's face it, house parties, these are the places where we don't want people going because they are unregulated and, at the end of the day, people you are trying to protect are going to be in that house and we need people to come to hospitality where it is safe. you're better off asking them to come into a place where, as i say, we are safe. i a place where, as i say, we are safe. , , a place where, as i say, we are safe. , ., , safe. i suppose the hospitality sector was _ safe. i suppose the hospitality sector was banking _ safe. i suppose the hospitality sector was banking on - safe. i suppose the hospitality sector was banking on this - sector was banking on this christmas. it has been such a difficult 18 months or so, such a roller—coaster, and it was hoping that this was going to be a boost. now it looks like it won't be. if you look at last year, we had a cinderella christmas where everybody had to be home and tucked up in their bed by midnight. the last couple of months has the not too bad at trading, i'd be really hoping for at trading, i'd be really hoping for a bumper christmas this year. as for the public, they have been cooped up as well, we wanted them to come and enjoy a place, an afternoon or a social environment, and enjoy family and friends getting together. we need that this year to get us through january need that this year to get us throuthanuary and need that this year to get us through january and february. january and february are normally the quieter months. people talk about the mental health issues that we have just now, about the mental health issues that we havejust now, and about the mental health issues that we have just now, and this about the mental health issues that we havejust now, and this is about the mental health issues that we have just now, and this is a clear and open way of the mixed messaging bringing back anxiety, not just for customers who are fatigued and traumatised over things like this, but also business owners and staff. ,., ., this, but also business owners and staff. ., ., ~' this, but also business owners and staff. ., ., ,, ., wales' first minister, mark drakeford, will give details of his government's three—week review on covid later today. let's talk to our correspondent in wales, hywel griffith. thomas morgan, i should say. thank you very much for being with us. what are expected hear today? the first what are expected hear today? tie: first minister what are expected hear today? tte: first minister will what are expected hear today? tt9 first minister will say that what are expected hear today? t“t9 first minister will say that the vaccine roll—out will be boosted, places will stay open longer to make sure that the majority of the population can be vaccinated with a booster as quickly as possible, as they have concerns, the welsh government, as all governments do, of this omicron variant. he won't be putting in any more restrictions for the time being, mark drakeford. however, he will be asking people to wear facemasks however, he will be asking people to wearfacemasks in pubs and restaurants when they are not sitting down. people also ask people to take a lateral flow when they go out to meet people the christmas period stop they have stopped short, the welsh government, of asking people to cancel the christmas parties, as they have done in scotland. but there is a warning, really, from the bush government, that if things do take a turn from the worst that they will have to put restrictions in place if they do in the weeks before the festive period. the covid—19 passes have been in place in wales for a number of weeks already, and it goes a little further than the plan b message in england because in wales you need a covid—19 pass to go to a cinema or theatre as well. masks have been in place throughout the whole of the pandemic. anthony working from home guidance has changed either. a number of the measures coming in in england have been in place in wales for quite some time. mark drakeford won't be bringing in any more restrictions this lunchtime, but he will be warning that if things get worse there might be some before christmas. two other things to mention. yesterday, there was a report on the online website guide out forks that the first minister in a meeting had called for a lockdown between christmas and the new year and that was turned down. it was said by ministers in westminster, anti—welsh government was asked about this. they said they wouldn't comment on leaked reports and said for the time being wouldn't be any more restrictions put in place. —— and the welsh government. restrictions could be put in place on care home visits, just like last year. the american actor, jussie smollett, has been foud guilty of staging a hate crime against himself. the 39—year—old star of the television drama empire paid two men to attack him in the apparent hope the stunt would raise his profile and boost his salary. an extraordinary story. just talk as to what happened.— to what happened. jussie smollett was originally _ to what happened. jussie smollett was originally charged _ to what happened. jussie smollett was originally charged with - to what happened. jussie smollett was originally charged with six - was originally charged with six felony— was originally charged with six felony counts of disorderly conduct, accused _ felony counts of disorderly conduct, accused of— felony counts of disorderly conduct, accused of lying to police, staging accused of lying to police, staging a hate _ accused of lying to police, staging a hate crime on himself, and after more _ a hate crime on himself, and after more than — a hate crime on himself, and after more than nine hours of deliberation the jury— more than nine hours of deliberation the jury found him on five of the six counts — the jury found him on five of the six counts. when he is sentenced, and a _ six counts. when he is sentenced, and a sentencing date has not been scheduled _ and a sentencing date has not been scheduled he faces a maximum of three _ scheduled he faces a maximum of three years behind bars. because he doesn't _ three years behind bars. because he doesn't have a record, he could get probation _ doesn't have a record, he could get probation or— doesn't have a record, he could get probation or he may have to perform community— probation or he may have to perform community service. chicago police say they— community service. chicago police say they spent more than three hours -- 3000 _ say they spent more than three hours —— 3000 hours investigating the case _ —— 3000 hours investigating the case a — —— 3000 hours investigating the case a civil— —— 3000 hours investigating the case. a civil lawsuit against him to try to _ case. a civil lawsuit against him to try to try— case. a civil lawsuit against him to try to try and recoup those expenses. implications here are not only legal, — expenses. implications here are not only legal, they could be financial. prosecutors had argued that jussie smollett. — prosecutors had argued that jussie smollett, who was gay and black, hired _ smollett, who was gay and black, hired two — smollett, who was gay and black, hired two brothers to stage the anti-gay— hired two brothers to stage the anti—gay racist attack. police body can footage showed him telling officers — can footage showed him telling officers that those attackers doused him with _ officers that those attackers doused him with bleach and put a noose around — him with bleach and put a noose around his— him with bleach and put a noose around his neck. during the trial.~~ _ around his neck. during the trial,... really, it was used to orchestrate _ trial,... really, it was used to orchestrate the incident. jussie smollett— orchestrate the incident. jussie smollett denied that claim, testifying in his own defence that the cheque was for nutrition, training — the cheque was for nutrition, training advice, and insisting there was no _ training advice, and insisting there was no hoax at all. the case involves _ was no hoax at all. the case involves several twists, including that the — involves several twists, including that the state's attorney dropped the charges against jussie that the state's attorney dropped the charges againstjussie smollett initially— the charges againstjussie smollett initially and sparked protests. a special— initially and sparked protests. a special persecutor came in and charged — special persecutor came in and charged jussie smollett with six counts — charged jussie smollett with six counts of— charged jussie smollett with six counts of disorderly conduct. thank ou ve counts of disorderly conduct. thank you very much- _ the wikileaks founder julian assange will find out today whether the high court will overturn a decision not to extradite him to the us. assange is wanted in america following the publication of hundreds—of—thousands of leaked documents relating to the wars in afghanistan and iraq. the 50—year—old has been held in belmarsh prison since 2019, after spending seven years hiding in the ecuadorian embassy. new figures show that, in october, the uk economy grew more slowly than analysts had expected. the value of all goods and services produced in the country increased byjust 0.1%. it's a marked slowdown since september when the economy grew by 0.6%, according to figures released by the ons. let's speak to our business correspondent, andy verity. what we put that down to? if you remember back to october, you had petrol shortages because they didn't have enough tanker drivers to bring them to the garages, and a rocketing energy price. that may have had an effect, for example, on the oil and gas industries, ways or activity fall. to some extent, that is higher energy prices curbing demand. to some extent, it is other things like supply chain issues slowing things down. it certainly we have a changing picture with the economy here. for most of this year, it was supposed to be record—breaking growth as we bounce back from the contraction of the pandemic. the office for budget responsibility forecast in october at the budget spending review that the economy would grow by 6.5% this year. it is unlikely now. we have a changing outlook for interest rates. just a few weeks ago, there was a confident prediction that we would have won in november and one in december, but even now that december rate rise looks quite likely. i was in the city of less than 20% of that. that's partly because we have this slowing economy. remember, these figures showing a slowdown in october are before the omicron variant really kicked in and before the new restrictions were put in place that will inevitably slow down economic growth to some extent. so a very different picture to what we had at the beginning of the year for the economy. had at the beginning of the year for the economy-— the economy. thank you very much indeed. it is against the law for under—18s in england to receive dermalfillers or botox—style injections for cosmetic reasons. but a bbc investigation found some beauty practitioners are still offering them to younger teenagers via social media. our health correspondent, anna collinson, has been speaking to liv, who first had lip filler when she was 16. when i looked in the mirror, when i was like 1a, 15, 16, i didn't like the fact you could see my gums. this was the first time i had my lips done. now 19, liv has visited multiple practitioners for lip fillers. she often found them on social media. some was still in training. they'll be discounted usually, like a lot, a lot cheaper and it's obviously more directed at people that are younger, that probably have less money. so it, like, attracts them to come forward and be like, "oh, yeah, you can practise on my lips." mps have called the nonsurgical beauty industry the wild west with no mandatory training needed to buy or inject fillers. complications can include disfigurement and even blindness. it's illegal for under—18s to receive fillers for cosmetic reasons in england, but is the law working? we created a social media account for a fictitious teenager, called jenny, including a unique image of a 16—year—old girl, generated by an artificial intelligence programme. facebook says marketplace listings must not promote the sale of cosmetic procedures, butjenny was able to send hundreds of lip—filler requests. so, more than 180 businesses replied tojenny and the majority of responses were no. here's an example. "hi, jenny. sorry, but i can't take you in as you're under the age of 18." but we found more than one in five beauticians appeared willing. we shared our findings with some of those who fought for the under—18 ban. that's devastating. so it's either absolute negligence or they're completely unaware and either factor actually poses a significant risk. these people should not be practising because it's really unethical. i think it shows we need to make progress — i think it shows we need to make progress in — i think it shows we need to make progress in the law. following our investigation, facebook says it's now blocked certain search terms to make it harder for its users to find treatments like fillers. the government says businesses who do not check clients�* ages will face prosecution. liv supports the ban but understands the pressures to look a certain way. like, when i was 15, 16, you look at someone that's getting all these likes and you're like, "well, why am i not?" so it's like, "well, i'm going to make myself look like that then, because that's what everyone wants me to look like." people are making filters that make your lips bigger. they change your entire face. they are so damaging. anna collinson, bbc news. we are going to check out the latest weather prospects for you now. hello, there. it is a chilly end to the working week but things are set to turn much milder through this weekend. today, though, a cold one, bright, lots of sunshine around, particularly the eastern side of the country, one or two showers here. most of the showers will be across northern and western areas. they will be blustery, some heavy with hail and thunder, certainly some winteriness over the hills. these are mean wind speeds — gusts will be higher than that around northern and western coasts, up to a0 miles an hour in one or two locations. it's a chilly day wherever you are, four to eight degrees — that's below par for the time of year. some of the showers rattle on this evening and then most of them fade away overnight. northern, central and eastern areas will be cold with clear skies, a widespread frost but a weather front pushing into western areas will start to lift those temperatures, but there will be more cloud, breeze and outbreaks of rain here. it's a cold start to saturday morning across eastern areas, but that milder air will spill to most places on saturday and by sunday, we are all in that milder air, temperatures close to the mid—teens celsius, but there will be a lot of cloud around. hello, this is bbc news. the headlines: pressure mounts on the prime minister — with fresh questions over the revamp of his flat — and the row continuing over downing street christmas parties. it's emerged the current downing street director of communications attended a christmas party in number ten last year which, it's alleged, broke lockdown rules. adding to the government's problems — a possible tory backbench rebellion as face masks become compulsory in most indoor public venues in england. in scotland, people are being urged to cancel christmas parties — because of a rise in cases of the omicron variant. guilty of faking a hate crime — american actor — jussie smollett — is convicted by a jury in chicago. the chancellor warns of bumps in the road as official figures show the uk economy grew byjust 0.1% in october. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre: england fighting back in the ashes. good morning... it's been a much better day for england in the first ashes test, but they still trail by 58 runs at the close on day 3 in brisbane. travis head hit 152 in australia's first innings before they were bowled out for 425. in reply england reached 220 for 2 withjoe root and dawid malan both closing in on centuries. here's our sports correspondentjoe wilson. brisbane, and expanding sporting city, it will host the olympics, ashes cricket, let's remember as a marathon. england began the third day of this test still trying to take australian wickets, optimism and energy rolling on empty. stokes was fit enough to bowl, travis head was fit enough to bowl, travis head was thrilled to bat. thus stood the match, australia built a lead of 278, travis head made 132 and all that was just the start. now england batted. rory barnes, a touch from the glove and that was him going for 13. a glance of the bat and he was outjust 13. a glance of the bat and he was out just when 13. a glance of the bat and he was outjust when he was settling in. 2021 has been a record—breaking year of run scoring forjoe root. the captain 50 here was greeted by plenty of england fans, well, it is queensland. dawid malan was passed 52. now this was getting interesting. encouraging. as the shadows lengthened, the lead reduced, evening came, joe root and dawid malan remained. with two days to come, it felt like a victory to be just 38 runs to come, it felt like a victory to bejust 38 runs behind. first practice is just getting underway in abu dhabi for sunday's grand prix that will decide the formula one world championship. lewis hamilton and max verstappen are level on points at the top of the standings heading into the final race. red bull's verstappen only top because he's won one 9 races to hamilton's 8. whichever driver crosses the line first , takes the title, or, if neither car finishes then it's verstappen's. they have collided three times this season as they've gone wheel to wheel for the title. it promises to be an incredible climax , you can follow practice via the bbc sport website leicester city are out of the europa league, they started the night top of their group but ended it in third following their 3—2 defeat at napoli. eljif elmas scored the second half winnerfor the italians. leicester will still have some european football, they drop into the play—offs for the conference league. west ham had already qualified for the knockout stage, so fielded an understrength team against dinamo zagreb. the croatians won i—nil, thanks to that early stunner from mislav orsic. rangers were already guaranteed second spot in their group, that means a play—off against a team that has finished third in a champions league group. scott wright put them ahead in lyon with a deflected effort but the group winners equalised, via an own goal from calvin bassey. like leicester, celtic drop down to the europa conference league, play—off rounds. despite beating real betis 3—2, with david turnbull scoring the winner... in the women's champions league, arsenal need a point from their final group game to qualify for the quarterfinals. that's after they were taken apart a—nil, by the reigning champions barcelona at the emirates withjennifer hermoso, scoring twice. the gunners travel to hoffenheim next week. tottenham should have been playing last night but the covid outbreak at the club saw their europa league match against rennes postponed , the premier league match at brighton on sunday is off as well and spurs trip to leicester next thursday is also in doubt. eight players and five staff tested positive early this week forcing them to close the first team area of their training ground and those affected going into ten days isolation. the premier league has told all 20 of its clubs to return to emergency measures in light of new covid rules in england. ronnie o' sullivan is through to the quarterfinals of the scottish open. the six—time world champion came through a close match with welshmanjamiejones, eventually winning by four frames to three. reigning champion mark selby and world number twojudd trump, were both knocked out though that's all the sport for now. council tax could rise steeply across much of england next year, at the same time as the increase in national insurance. two—thirds of councils in england that responded to a bbc survey said they were considering a rise in council tax to help fund local services. many other councils said they were unable to rule it out. joining me now is tim oliver, chairman, county councils network. thank you for being with us. does it look like we are going to see council tax rises across the board in england?— council tax rises across the board in encland? :, a in england? good morning. as your survey says. _ in england? good morning. as your survey says. many _ in england? good morning. as your survey says, many councils - in england? good morning. as your survey says, many councils are - survey says, many councils are considering their position in terms of the financial budget for next year. we are waiting to hear from government hopefully next week in terms of what the financial settlement will look like and once we have seen that, that will determine whether or not councils will increase council tax. the government _ will increase council tax. the government announced in the spending review 1.5 million for local government in 2022, 23, huge amounts of money. why do councils still think they need more? the councils that we represent _ think they need more? the councils that we represent are _ think they need more? the councils that we represent are responsible l that we represent are responsible for delivering crucial services to the most vulnerable people in our communities. and those services are not visible, unless you have a family member with learning difficulties or a relative and it care home or a child with special education needs, you wouldn't know that on average the councils spent two thirds of their income in supporting those services. during the pandemic, we provided a huge amount of wrist support to those families, and post—pandemic, as we move out, we started to see real increase in demand for those services, particularly mental health issues. 1.5 billion from government issues. 1.5 billion from government is welcomed, but first of all, we need to see how it will be distributed, and i hope it goes to authorities that have responsibility for delivering social care, but at the end of the day, that will not be enough, 500 million gapjust for next year alone. that gap has to be filled with potential council tax increase. t filled with potential council tax increase. :, ., filled with potential council tax increase. :, :, , :, filled with potential council tax increase. :, ., ., increase. i hear what you say about the services — increase. i hear what you say about the services they _ increase. i hear what you say about the services they provide, - increase. i hear what you say about the services they provide, but - the services they provide, but families are very hard pressed at the moment and you have a sharply rising cost of living, inflation is running high, a lot families will not be able to afford a sharp rise in council tax. t not be able to afford a sharp rise in council tax.— in council tax. i recognise the financial pressures _ in council tax. i recognise the financial pressures on - in council tax. i recognise the | financial pressures on families in council tax. i recognise the - financial pressures on families and the last thing we want to do is to add to that, but we have to deliver those services, it is crucial that we do that. we as an authority, we will see an increase in arab costs, so our providers will have to pick up so our providers will have to pick up the 1.25% increase in national insurance, the increase in the living wage, the utility bills that the council have are running their buildings, those pressures are there, of those people that find it difficult to meet those bills should contact their councils to access support. the government have, in fairness, giving councils a winter grant which is there to support people who need funding for energy bills, water bills and food and will also provide school meal vouchers during the holidays. there is support there and people should access that. support there and people should access that-— support there and people should access that. , :, , , access that. some people will see ou have access that. some people will see you have outlined _ access that. some people will see you have outlined the _ access that. some people will see you have outlined the essential i you have outlined the essential services but there is still room for cuts, you could cut some of those services, cut waste and some councils and not put council tax bills up as much as councils will want to. t bills up as much as councils will want to. :, :, ., :, , want to. i would not want to see us cut funding — want to. i would not want to see us cut funding to _ want to. i would not want to see us cut funding to delivering _ want to. i would not want to see us cut funding to delivering those - cut funding to delivering those absolutely crucial services. that is what we are here to do. there is no council across the country that will not already have taken out costs from their councils. we have seen a decrease in government funding over the past ten years and every council has had to drive efficiencies. there is nothing left in most councils to take out other than cutting front line services and that is absolutely not what we should be doing. thank ou very much indeed. face masks are now compulsory in most indoor public venues in england under new measures to tackle the omicron variant of coronavirus. people going to theatres, cinemas and places of worship must wear face coverings as part of the government's plan b restrictions. it's already compulsory to wear them in shops and on public transport. nica burns is the co—owner of the nimax theatres group, which comprises six west end theatres. thank you for being with us. what do you think of the restriction? how is it going to affect theatre goers and cinemagoers as well? t it going to affect theatre goers and cinemagoers as well?— cinemagoers as well? i hope it will not affect them _ cinemagoers as well? i hope it will not affect them in _ cinemagoers as well? i hope it will not affect them in that _ cinemagoers as well? i hope it will not affect them in that it _ cinemagoers as well? i hope it will not affect them in that it is worth i not affect them in that it is worth coming to see a great show at christmas time. for us, we are glad that it christmas time. for us, we are glad thatitis christmas time. for us, we are glad that it is clear, but for now, it has been highly recommended to ask the audience to wear a mask but it has not been mandatory. and if it is not mandatory, we cannot enforce it. some come to choose west and some without, but it is now safe for all of us to wear our masks inside, we will enforce it internally. i believe the audience is going to have a great time, they are there to watch a performance. ltrufhgt have a great time, they are there to watch a performance.— have a great time, they are there to watch a performance. what are people sa inc, watch a performance. what are people saying. those — watch a performance. what are people saying. those who _ watch a performance. what are people saying, those who have _ watch a performance. what are people saying, those who have been - watch a performance. what are people saying, those who have been wearing l saying, those who have been wearing masks? it has not been mandatory up to now. what do they say about whether it affects or spoils their enjoyment of a plate? t whether it affects or spoils their enjoyment of a plate?— whether it affects or spoils their enjoyment of a plate? i expect it miaht be enjoyment of a plate? i expect it might be quite — enjoyment of a plate? i expect it might be quite easy _ enjoyment of a plate? i expect it might be quite easy to _ enjoyment of a plate? i expect it might be quite easy to wear- enjoyment of a plate? i expect it might be quite easy to wear a i enjoyment of a plate? i expect it - might be quite easy to wear a mask, but some people do not like to wear a mask for a long period of time, but the fact that we are coming into a shared experience in a dark theatre, i don't think it is something that is such a big restriction that is going to affect people badly. for some people, it gives them more confidence that they are sitting side—by—side and back to front with people who are all wearing masks together. by, wearing masks together. a shakespeare play which could run for three hours, if it is hamlet or something, it is a long time to wear a mask. taste something, it is a long time to wear a mask. ~ :, something, it is a long time to wear a mask. ~ ., :, :, , ., a mask. we have got to get used to wearin: a mask. we have got to get used to wearing them _ a mask. we have got to get used to wearing them as _ a mask. we have got to get used to wearing them as part _ a mask. we have got to get used to wearing them as part of— a mask. we have got to get used to wearing them as part of our daily i wearing them as part of our daily lives and has been first in quite some time. i am hoping lives and has been first in quite some time. iam hoping it lives and has been first in quite some time. i am hoping it will not affect audiences. if it does, it is very sad, particularly at christmas, we have all been struggling to keep our business is going, but the science is clear and we are going to wear a mask and we are still to enjoy ourselves.— wear a mask and we are still to en'o ourselves. ~ :, :, , ., ., . enjoy ourselves. what has attendance been like in theatre _ enjoy ourselves. what has attendance been like in theatre since _ enjoy ourselves. what has attendance been like in theatre since you - been like in theatre since you reopened, it has been such a difficult period through the pandemic, are you bouncing back? yes, we opened in may with 50% capacity, with shows that could afford a 50% capacity. now we are having a great season, pretty cool, high percentages have mirrored 2019. there has been a realjoy when people arrived at the theatre, happy to be back, the leave a great deal happier. it is lovely to see. business is good, and the important thing in the industry now is that confidence is not hit. the christmas season, like all the hospitality sector and many other businesses, is critical to theatre and particularly critical to theatre and particularly critical to theatre and particularly critical to regional theatre where the christmas pantomime is the third of the income of the entire year. it is the first experience of theatre for many children. we are asking people to come back, where your mask, feel safe, covid—19 safety measures across all our theatres and huge campaigns, see it safely, so far, we have been, audiences have felt safe, we have had great feedback, mask wearing at a time when we have a new variant will make people feel safer. i am saying, come back, support your local theatre, and remember how great it is to be in it live experience in a show because we are really good that there in the uk.— because we are really good that there in the uk. :, ,, i. , . there in the uk. thank you very much and i ho -e there in the uk. thank you very much and i hope it — there in the uk. thank you very much and i hope it is— there in the uk. thank you very much and i hope it is a _ there in the uk. thank you very much and i hope it is a really _ there in the uk. thank you very much and i hope it is a really great - and i hope it is a really great christmas for your theatre and all the other theatres that you mentioned and for the pantomime season too. mentioned and for the pantomime season too-— mentioned and for the pantomime season too._ yes, | mentioned and for the pantomime | season too._ yes, it season too. yes, you must. yes, it is not a request, _ season too. yes, you must. yes, it is not a request, it _ season too. yes, you must. yes, it is not a request, it is _ season too. yes, you must. yes, it is not a request, it is an _ season too. yes, you must. yes, it is not a request, it is an order, i is not a request, it is an order, please come back. starbucks workers in upstate new york have voted to form a union. the cafe in buffalo will be the firm's first unionized workplace since unions were de—certified by the company more than three decades ago. a second cafe in the area voted againstjoining — but the workers united union are confident of victory at a third store. in a statement to the bbc, the president of starbucks in north america says the company will continue to find ways to lead on wages and benefits. from new york, our business correspondent michelle fleury has more. workers at one starbucks outlet in buffalo, new york voted by 19 to eight to form a union. now, it comes after a lengthy and often contentious campaign over unionising three stores in the area. those involved took a moment to savour the victory. we've done it, in spite of everything that the company has thrown at us and we all know that it has been an extensive anti—union campaign by starbucks corporate to try and prevent this from happening. the employees at the elmwood avenue location in buffalo, new york said the next step was to bring starbucks to the bargaining table. among the issues they want addressed, understaffing and insufficient training. while management at the coffee chain opposed the efforts, the campaign enjoyed the support of some high campaign politicians such as senator of vermont bernie sanders who tweeted his congratulations, calling it a historic achievement. it is the first company—owned starbucks out of nearly 9,000 in the united states to be unionised and it comes as workers in many industries are demanding better pay and conditions, particularly given how much they had to endure during the pandemic. the vote represents a particular challenge to the country's restaurant industry where unions are rare. the united nations is warning that madagascar is on the brink of famine. over1 million people on the island are battling severe hunger. endemic poverty, poor agricultural practices and climate changes are cited as some of the causes. our africa correspondent, catherine byaruhanga is one of the few journalists to visit the south of the country — where the un is calling for urgent aid. barely able to stand or walk, bone thin, and fighting off the infections that come from a lack of food. more than one quarter of the children in this district of southern madagascar are malnourished. this boy is 13 years old and should weight 45 kilograms, but is nearly half that weight. mahawazi and mahawani look like toddlers, but the twin girls are actually six years old. their grandmother brought them in this morning for their checkup. it didn't go well. despite months of treatment, they are still severely malnourished. the children do not have food at home, then we avoid the worst for them, but they don't get out of that situation of malnutrition. it is a ten—mile walk in the scorching heat to get back home, but there is no relief to be found here. ranwasi tells me that despite her best prayers, the rains have failed, wiping out her family's crops and livestock. translation: we couldn't find anything to eat here. _ the vegetation of this area is like you see, no greens and no harvest. we just eat anything as long as it's not bitter. families here have been forced to eat wild fruit, cacti and insects to temporarily fill their stomachs. the world food programme has said this could become the first climate—change famine if the hunger here persists, but some leading climate scientists say there is not a clear link between rising levels of carbon dioxide and this drought that has destroyed food supplies, though they both agree if global temperatures continue to go up, we could see more severe dry spells in the future. this used to be one of madagascar�*s biggest and longest rivers, but now it's dry and turned into a dust bowl. it illustrates the size of the crisis here. what used to be a vital source of water for millions of people has disappeared. these are scenes you would expect to see when refugees flee war, but here, they are terrorised by a worsening climate. they came from villages where they owned herds of cattle and fed themselves from their gardens. now, they are forced to wait for hand—outs. but it's notjust possessions they have lost. mahasowa tells me four of his young children died after not eating for a week. translation: they died one by one, day by day. l they starved to death. there was nothing to eat and nothing to drink. this should be the wet season, but i didn't see a drop of rain here during my visit and aid agencies warned the situation will get worse as people eat all that remains in their stores. after decades of self—reliance, there is now very little that stands between families like ranwasi's and outright hunger. catherine byaruhanga, bbc news, madagascar. the guide dogs charity, which helps the visually impaired, has warned that electronic scooters pose a serious threat and could cause fatal injuries. the charity is calling for tougher action to tackle illegal riding of e—scooters, after conducting a study on the impact of a collision with pedestrians. helena wilkinson reports. this test crash shows just how devastating the impact can be on a vulnerable pedestrian, in this case, the test dummy was equivalent to a three—year—old child. the e—scooter was travelling at 15.5 miles per hour. that's the top speed that e—scooters, taking part in government trials, are allowed to go. but for people like scott, who was hit by someone on a scooter while out walking his guide dog, milo, the wider impact could be significant. he's the reason why i can be a really good dad again to my children. he's the reason why i'm going to college again now. and if he was taken away by an e—scooter or anything, i would not be able to do half the things that i do now, i'd be in a really dark place. e—scooters have risen in popularity, but you can only use one on a public road if you've rented it as part of a government—backed trial. if you own one, you can only use it on private land. it's also illegal for two people to be on the same scooter and they are banned from pavements. the charity guide dogs wants e—scooter speeds monitored closely. they say its people who are visually impaired who are at particular risk from them. people lose their confidence to go out and about independently. people get their guide dogs, be able to live their lives the way they choose. and if there are things... what should be a safe space, like pavements are being encroached on by fast, heavy vehicles, which are almost silent, that's a real problem. the government is trialling e—scooters as a way to explore new environmentally—friendly forms of transport. those taking part in the hire scheme say safety is of paramount importance. all of our e—scooters come equipped with a bell, so somebody riding an e—scooter can always alert someone else to their presence. they also come with things like two independent brakes on the e—scooter. and that's really important because it means the stopping distance of the type of rental e—scooters that we offer is much, much, much less than the types of illegal e—scooters lots of people ride around cities at the moment. the trials will run into next year before any decision is made about whether to fully legalise e—scooters on public roads. the charity guide dogs says if the government is seriously considering that, they need to get a grip on safety. the department for transport says safety is its top priority and they'll continue to engage with vulnerable road user groups to help shape the rules. helena wilkinson, bbc news. hundreds of school children across china have been taking part in a somewhat unusual science lesson. the pupils came from various cities in different parts of the country — but the people doing the teaching were a long way away. the bbc�*s tim allman explains. class begins, the children wait attentively. giving the teacher and apple may be a bit of a stretch. particularly when the teacher is floating 400 kilometres up in space. this teacher is introducing her fellow astronauts from china's new space station. this is distance learning on a different scale. the three astronauts carried out a series of experiments in zero gravity comparing how buoyancy works both on earth and in space. some of the children got to ask questions. talking to the astronauts has made me interested in the universe said the student and now i dream about space. t the student and now i dream about sace. ~' the student and now i dream about sace. ~ , :, space. i think we young people should be _ space. i think we young people should be ambitious _ space. i think we young people should be ambitious and i space. i think we young people l should be ambitious and aspiring space. i think we young people i should be ambitious and aspiring and build our own spacecraft. after the hour is up, the lesson came to an end and the astronauts waved goodbye. as one official put it, they want to plant the seeds of space and science in the hearts of children. now it's time for a look at the weather with stav danaos. hello there. it has been a cold start today, an early ice warning across parts of scotland and northern ireland and the far north—west of england has now been lifted but it stays chilly today with temperatures below par for the time of year, mid—single figures for most, but look at the change into the weekend. we start to change air masses, something much milder with values closer to the mid—teens for some of them, so that really will be noticeable. we have lost that weather front across eastern areas which brought all the rain overnight, then it is a bright afternoon, sunshine and showers, blustery across northern and western areas, some heavy hail, thunder, some winteriness over the higher ground. it is going to be a blustery day, these are mean wind speeds, gusts up to 40 miles an hour across some exposed western coast. a chilly day to come pretty much where ever you are, four to seven degrees. best of the sunshine always across eastern areas. the showers rattle on for a time this evening, then they fade away overnight and many places will be dry with clear spells, lighter winds, turning very cold. but a weather front working into western areas will slowly start to lift those temperatures here for belfast, for plymouth, but really cold further east with a widespread frost, maybe some ice for saturday morning. a cold, crisp but a bright start across eastern parts of the country for saturday. further west, we've got that weather front spilling its way in from the south—west introducing more of a breeze, cloud, outbreaks of rain. temperatures really will be climbing across western areas through saturday afternoon, 12, maybe 13 degrees in belfast and plymouth, but another cold day to come for eastern england and eastern scotland. through saturday night, that warm front continues to journey eastwards, so we are all into warmer air mass, will have this cold front, though, bringing some rain at times. that front will be working its way northwards during the course of sunday, but we replace the yellow with the orange colours as we move through sunday. some very mild air coming in from the south—west. but it will be pretty moisture laden so a lot of cloud generally on sunday, that weather front spilling its way north, so splashes of rain across northern and western parts of the country, generally dry further east. then you'll be limited to see any sunshine. the odd bright spell here and there, but most places cloudy, those temperatures close to the mid—teens for many of us. as we head through the new week, it stays very mild, those temperatures remaining in double figures for many, but there will often be a lot of cloud around and some rain too. this is bbc news with ben brown. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. pressure mounts on the uk prime minister — with fresh questions over the revamp of his flat — and the row continuing over downing street christmas parties. it's emerged the current downing street director of communications attended a christmas party in number ten last year which, it's alleged, broke lockdown rules. i feel very comfortable about the prime minister's integrity. clearly, though, i don't feel comfortable about the fact it's been a difficult week for the government. adding to the government's problems — a possible tory backbench rebellion as face masks become compulsory in most indoor public venues in england. the un calls for urgent aid for madagascar —