borisjohnson could face his biggest rebellion yet. also on the programme... a woman is found guilty of murdering 16—month—old star hobson — her girlfriend's daughter — after months of physical abuse. and calling time on the wild west online, mps want big tech companies to be forced to take tougher action over online crimes and abuse. and coming up on the bbc news channel: the premier league says players and staff at all 20 clubs must be tested daily for coronavirus, after a record 42 positive tests were confirmed this week. good evening and welcome to the bbc news at six. england's chief medical officer, professor chris whitty, has warned that hospitals face a significant increase in the number of people being admitted with covid, as infections of the omicron variant double every two or three days. the uk has today recorded the highest daily number of new cases since 9th january. with close to 60,000. across scotland, people are now being urged to limit their socialising, with no more than three households mixing indoors. scotland's first minister, nicola sturgeon, said she wasn't cancelling christmas, but she warned of a tsunami of cases in the weeks ahead. long queues have continued at vaccination centres across the uk. the number of people in england trying to get a pcr test today was so high this morning that no test appointments were availabe. our health editor hugh pym reports. high level concern about the new variant is increasing and the rapid roll—out of booster jabs variant is increasing and the rapid roll—out of boosterjabs is seen as a vital part of the official response. there was no shortage of people queueing for boosters in bristol today, though finding staff to do them hasn't been easy. it is to do them hasn't been easy. it is difficult to — to do them hasn't been easy. it is difficult to recruit _ to do them hasn't been easy. it 3 difficult to recruit enough staff, both vaccinators and admin people. and they have all been working in this programme since the beginning of the year. find this programme since the beginning of the ear. �* ,, ., ., ., of the year. and in swindon, a long cueue as of the year. and in swindon, a long queue as well _ of the year. and in swindon, a long queue as well and _ of the year. and in swindon, a long queue as well and a _ of the year. and in swindon, a long queue as well and a wait _ of the year. and in swindon, a long queue as well and a wait of - of the year. and in swindon, a long queue as well and a wait of several| queue as well and a wait of several hours. i queue as well and a wait of several hours. ., , , . hours. i have been here since nine o'clock hours. i have been here since nine o'clock and — hours. i have been here since nine o'clock and l _ hours. i have been here since nine o'clock and i am _ hours. i have been here since nine o'clock and i am supposed - hours. i have been here since nine o'clock and i am supposed to - hours. i have been here since nine o'clock and i am supposed to havei o'clock and i am supposed to have work_ o'clock and i am supposed to have work at _ o'clock and i am supposed to have work at two — o'clock and i am supposed to have work at two o'clock, but they told me the _ work at two o'clock, but they told me the queue is going to be until half three — me the queue is going to be until half three. not me the queue is going to be until half three. ., ., , _ me the queue is going to be until half three-— half three. not happy, i've got better things _ half three. not happy, i've got better things to _ half three. not happy, i've got better things to do _ half three. not happy, i've got better things to do than - half three. not happy, i've got better things to do than stand | half three. not happy, i've got - better things to do than stand here in a queue — better things to do than stand here in a queue. tutt— better things to do than stand here in a cueue. , better things to do than stand here in a queue-— in a queue. just under five hours and when _ in a queue. just under five hours and when we _ in a queue. just under five hours and when we got _ in a queue. just under five hours and when we got in _ in a queue. just under five hours and when we got in there, - in a queue. just under five hours and when we got in there, there | in a queue. just under five hours - and when we got in there, there were only two people jabbing. lang and when we got in there, there were only two people jabbing.— only two people 'abbing. long lines had built up— only two people jabbing. long lines had built up after— only two people jabbing. long lines had built up after the _ only two people jabbing. long lines had built up after the acceleration i had built up after the acceleration of the booster offer to more adults. since the system in england was opened up to people aged 30 and over early on monday morning, around i million people have booked their boosters and that doesn't include walkins. the question now, can that momentum be maintained? at some vaccine centres, delivery fell behind and there were temporary closures. extremely high demand, according to officials, meant there were no slots to book pcr tests this morning in england, though this changed as the day wore on, with availability in all regions. rebecca has been struggling to book pcr test since being in contact with a positive case on friday. the frustration _ positive case on friday. the frustration i _ positive case on friday. the frustration i have _ positive case on friday. the frustration i have is - positive case on friday. the frustration i have is i - positive case on friday. the frustration i have is i try to find guidelines— frustration i have is i try to find guidelines and that has proven difficult — guidelines and that has proven difficult. and ijust want surety for myself that i can go out and also _ for myself that i can go out and also to know that i am not putting other— also to know that i am not putting other people at risk, especially in the build—up to christmas. it other people at risk, especially in the build-up to christmas. it wasn't ossible the build-up to christmas. it wasn't possible to — the build-up to christmas. it wasn't possible to book— the build-up to christmas. it wasn't possible to book lateral _ the build-up to christmas. it wasn't possible to book lateral flow - the build-up to christmas. it wasn't possible to book lateral flow tests | possible to book lateral flow tests online in england, they are now required daily for anyone who has beenin required daily for anyone who has been in contact with someone who is infected. at some pharmacies, they were not available either, although officials say stocks haven't run out. ~ . . ., , officials say stocks haven't run out. ~ . . ., out. we need an increase of deliveries — out. we need an increase of deliveries of _ out. we need an increase of deliveries of lateral - out. we need an increase of deliveries of lateral flow - out. we need an increase of. deliveries of lateral flow tests out. we need an increase of- deliveries of lateral flow tests so we can _ deliveries of lateral flow tests so we can then _ deliveries of lateral flow tests so we can then give _ deliveries of lateral flow tests so we can then give them _ deliveries of lateral flow tests so we can then give them out, - deliveries of lateral flow tests so we can then give them out, andl we can then give them out, and at the minute— we can then give them out, and at the minute we— we can then give them out, and at the minute we are _ we can then give them out, and at the minute we are receiving - we can then give them out, and at the minute we are receiving 50 - we can then give them out, and at the minute we are receiving 50 a i the minute we are receiving 50 a day, _ the minute we are receiving 50 a day, we — the minute we are receiving 50 a day, we need _ the minute we are receiving 50 a day, we need to— the minute we are receiving 50 a day, we need to be _ the minute we are receiving 50 a day, we need to be closer- the minute we are receiving 50 a day, we need to be closer to- day, we need to be closer to 200, 300~ _ day, we need to be closer to 200, 300. rill— day, we need to be closer to 200, 300. �* , , 300. all this is the chief medical officer chris _ 300. all this is the chief medical officer chris whitty _ 300. all this is the chief medical officer chris whitty wants - 300. all this is the chief medical officer chris whitty wants the . officer chris whitty wants the cabinet of a likely increase in covid hospital numbers, a view echoed by other senior officials. irate echoed by other senior officials. we are echoed by other senior officials. - are concerned with the large volume of individuals who are being affected —— make infected every day in the population that we are going to have a very difficult four weeks ahead of cases in the community, which will of course cause need to stay away from work and work and school and then for those cases to transfer into admissions to hospital. transfer into admissions to hos - ital. transfer into admissions to hosital. ~ , transfer into admissions to hosital. ~' , , hospital. their key message is, get our 'ab hospital. their key message is, get yourjab come _ hospital. their key message is, get yourjab come up — hospital. their key message is, get yourjab come up with _ hospital. their key message is, get yourjab come up with military - yourjab come up with military personnel helping in taunton and other centres. they will hope they can keep up with the spread of the virus. hugh pym, bbc news. scotland's first minister, nicola sturgeon, said the number of cases of omicron is increasing faster than any variant that has gone before it. she urged people across scotland to limit their social contacts before and after christmas — though she stressed it was advice, not a legal requirement. our scotland correspondent james shaw reports. it certainly felt like christmas was coming at this market in glasgow, butjust how much will the new variant effect celebrations in scotland? ahead of nicola sturgeon's statement, shoppers were anxious about omicron and the impact it might have on their lives. the plan is to no might have on their lives. the plan is to go to — might have on their lives. the plan is to go to my _ might have on their lives. the plan is to go to my son's _ might have on their lives. the plan is to go to my son's and _ is to go to my son's and daughter—in—law�*s for christmas, spend it with the wee one since it is her first one and my worry is we won't be able to. that is her first one and my worry is we won't be able to.— won't be able to. at holyrood, the first minister _ won't be able to. at holyrood, the first minister said _ won't be able to. at holyrood, the first minister said this _ won't be able to. at holyrood, the first minister said this was - won't be able to. at holyrood, the first minister said this was not - won't be able to. at holyrood, the i first minister said this was not the update she had wanted. mr; first minister said this was not the update she had wanted.— update she had wanted. my key reauest is update she had wanted. my key request is this, _ update she had wanted. my key request is this, before - update she had wanted. my key request is this, before and - request is this, before and immediately after christmas, please minimise _ immediately after christmas, please minimise your social mixing with other— minimise your social mixing with other households as much as you can. if other households as much as you can. if you _ other households as much as you can. if you do _ other households as much as you can. if you do plan — other households as much as you can. if you do plan on socialising either at home _ if you do plan on socialising either at home or— if you do plan on socialising either at home or in indoor public places, we are _ at home or in indoor public places, we are asking that you limit the number— we are asking that you limit the number of— we are asking that you limit the number of households represented in your group— number of households represented in your group to a maximum of three and make _ your group to a maximum of three and make sure _ your group to a maximum of three and make sure you test before you go. the scottish conservatives said ms sturgeon should have moved faster and booster vaccinations. imeek sturgeon should have moved faster and booster vaccinations. week after week at my — and booster vaccinations. week after week at my party _ and booster vaccinations. week after week at my party has _ and booster vaccinations. week after week at my party has come - and booster vaccinations. week after week at my party has come to - and booster vaccinations. week after week at my party has come to the i week at my party has come to the chamber— week at my party has come to the chamber and _ week at my party has come to the chamber and asked _ week at my party has come to the chamber and asked the _ week at my party has come to the chamber and asked the first - week at my party has come to the i chamber and asked the first minister to bread _ chamber and asked the first minister to bread -- _ chamber and asked the first minister to bread -- to— chamber and asked the first minister to bread —— to prepare _ chamber and asked the first minister to bread —— to prepare to _ chamber and asked the first minister to bread —— to prepare to bring - chamber and asked the first minister to bread —— to prepare to bring in - to bread —— to prepare to bring in mass _ to bread —— to prepare to bring in mass vaccination _ to bread —— to prepare to bring in mass vaccination sentence, - to bread —— to prepare to bring in mass vaccination sentence, but l to bread —— to prepare to bring in i mass vaccination sentence, but only now: _ mass vaccination sentence, but only now. only _ mass vaccination sentence, but only now. only today— mass vaccination sentence, but only now, only today has _ mass vaccination sentence, but only now, only today has that _ mass vaccination sentence, but only now, only today has that been - now, only today has that been accepted _ now, only today has that been acce ted. . now, only today has that been accepted-— accepted. the first minister's statement — accepted. the first minister's statement also _ accepted. the first minister's statement also included - accepted. the first minister's i statement also included legally enforceable measures to stop crowding and maintain physical distancing in shops and hospitality venues. and there will be £200 million to support businesses affected by the changes, and to help people to self—isolate. nicola sturgeon was adamant she did not want to cancel christmas. nevertheless, these changes will make big differences to people's festive season.— make big differences to people's festive season. there is definitely an atmosphere — festive season. there is definitely an atmosphere in _ festive season. there is definitely an atmosphere in the _ festive season. there is definitely an atmosphere in the air, - festive season. there is definitely an atmosphere in the air, people| festive season. there is definitely i an atmosphere in the air, people are 'ust an atmosphere in the air, people are just getting — an atmosphere in the air, people are just getting a bit more worried and people _ just getting a bit more worried and people are — just getting a bit more worried and people are not going to have the christmas — people are not going to have the christmas they hoped for. | feel christmas they hoped for. i feel like by now. _ christmas they hoped for. i feel like by now, people _ christmas they hoped for. i feel like by now, people have - christmas they hoped for. i feel like by now, people have stopped caring _ like by now, people have stopped caring a _ like by now, people have stopped caring a little _ like by now, people have stopped caring a little bit, _ like by now, people have stopped caring a little bit, especially- like by now, people have stopped caring a little bit, especially nowl caring a little bit, especially now with the — caring a little bit, especially now with the festive _ caring a little bit, especially now with the festive spirit. _ caring a little bit, especially now with the festive spirit. people i caring a little bit, especially nowi with the festive spirit. people are kind of— with the festive spirit. people are kind of desperate _ with the festive spirit. people are kind of desperate to _ with the festive spirit. people are kind of desperate to go _ with the festive spirit. people are kind of desperate to go out - with the festive spirit. people are kind of desperate to go out and l kind of desperate to go out and socialise — kind of desperate to go out and socialise and _ kind of desperate to go out and socialise and go _ kind of desperate to go out and socialise and go back— kind of desperate to go out and socialise and go back to - kind of desperate to go out and socialise and go back to their. socialise and go back to their normal— socialise and go back to their normal lives. _ socialise and go back to their normal lives.— socialise and go back to their normal lives. ~ , ., normal lives. with the things going on at downing _ normal lives. with the things going on at downing street _ normal lives. with the things going on at downing street with - normal lives. with the things going on at downing street with parties l on at downing street with parties and things like that, it makes you think, what is the point of they are not sticking to it? the think, what is the point of they are not sticking to it?— not sticking to it? the first minister set _ not sticking to it? the first minister set out _ not sticking to it? the first minister set out a - not sticking to it? the first minister set out a plan - not sticking to it? the first i minister set out a plan which not sticking to it? the first - minister set out a plan which is designed to see scotland through the winter, but no—one can predict with certainty just winter, but no—one can predict with certaintyjust how winter, but no—one can predict with certainty just how severe winter, but no—one can predict with certaintyjust how severe this new wave will be. james shaw, bbc news, glasgow. the uk's travel red list is being scrapped from tomorrow morning, meaning hotel quarantine will no longer be necessary. the health secretary told parliament that all the 11 countries in africa that are currently on the travel red list will be removed, as the measure is now considered less effective in slowing the spread of omicron. testing rules will remain. the uk has recorded its highest number of new infections there were 59,610 new cases in the latest 24—hour period. on average, there were nearly 5a,000 new cases reported per day in the past seven days. the highest number since the 9th of january. the number of people in hospital with covid stands at 7672. 150 deaths were recorded, that's of people who died within 28 days of a positive test. on average, in the past week, 114 covid—related deaths were recorded every day. an average ofjust over 450,000 vaccinations, with boosterjabs vaccinations, with booster jabs every vaccinations, with boosterjabs every day over the past seven days, with the total boosterjab number now at over 24 million. the world health organization says it is concerned people are dismissing omicron is mild and even though it does because less disease, the sheer number of cases could again overwhelm unprepared health systems. hugh pym is with us now, we underestimate this virus at our peril, according to the who this afternoon. ~ peril, according to the who this afternoon-— peril, according to the who this afternoon. ~ ., �* , ,, .. afternoon. well, we don't yet know whether omicron _ afternoon. well, we don't yet know whether omicron causes _ afternoon. well, we don't yet know whether omicron causes more - afternoon. well, we don't yet know i whether omicron causes more serious illness relative to delta, it may even cause less, but we do know officials expect a sharp increase in case numbers and that inevitably means some more people of those numbers will end up in hospital, and thatis numbers will end up in hospital, and that is what is really worrying to ministers and officials, that the nhs, which is already pretty much at full stretch, will really struggle. england leaders have sent letters to all hospital saying to move fast, to move medically fit patients out of hospitals, sometimes into temporary accommodation in hospices and even in hotels. the next step might be to have to cancel a lot of routine surgery, that is very possible, as the nhs has to prepare for this wave over the next month. one bit better news this evening, though, from pfizer, it says the latest trials on its antivirus pill show 90% effectiveness against serious illness and that it retains that they think against omicron. thank ou. in westminster, borisjohnson faces the biggest backbench rebellion of his leadership this evening, as mps prepare to vote shortly on the government's new covid rules for england. there will be four separate votes. the two most controversial proposals that mps are about to vote on are a covid pass for entering large venues, which will prove if someone is fully vaccinated or has a negative lateral flow test. and plans for compulsory vaccination forfront line nhs staff in england. mps will also vote on the new rules on face masks in england, which came in last week — making them compulsory in most indoor settings. and daily lateral flow tests for seven days, instead of self—isolation for fully—vaccinated people who come into contact with someone with covid. our deputy political editor vicki young reports. borisjohnson is boris johnson is preparing borisjohnson is preparing for another christmas dominated by covid. he and his ministers again making the case for more restrictions in england. many of his mps are angry at his mistakes and his approach to a pandemic that is heating up again. his approach to a pandemic that is heating up again-— his approach to a pandemic that is heating up again. there really is no time to lose- _ heating up again. there really is no time to lose. so _ heating up again. there really is no time to lose. so what _ heating up again. there really is no time to lose. so what is _ heating up again. there really is no time to lose. so what is the - heating up again. there really is no time to lose. so what is the plan i time to lose. so what is the plan mps are voting _ time to lose. so what is the plan mps are voting on? _ time to lose. so what is the plan mps are voting on? nhs - time to lose. so what is the plan| mps are voting on? nhs workers time to lose. so what is the plan - mps are voting on? nhs workers will have to get vaccinated. masks will be compulsory in more indoor settings. the vaccinator can do daily tests instead of staying at home ins —— if they have been in contact with covid case and you will need to show you are vaccinated or free from covid to get into larger venues. dozens of tory mps hate that idea, the health secretary tried to win them round.— idea, the health secretary tried to win them round. these are not steps that we would _ win them round. these are not steps that we would take _ win them round. these are not steps that we would take lightly, _ win them round. these are not steps that we would take lightly, i - win them round. these are not steps that we would take lightly, i firmly . that we would take lightly, i firmly believe in individual liberty and that the curve should be placed on our freedoms only in the most gravest of circumstances —— make the curb. so it is vital yet early and in a proportionate way, doing whatever we can to build our defences and preserve greater freedom for the long term. labour are backing _ freedom for the long term. labour are backing the _ freedom for the long term. labour are backing the measures, - freedom for the long term. labour are backing the measures, calling| freedom for the long term. labour. are backing the measures, calling it their patriotic duty. but are backing the measures, calling it their patriotic duty.— their patriotic duty. but no matter how dysfunctional _ their patriotic duty. but no matter how dysfunctional the _ their patriotic duty. but no matter| how dysfunctional the conservative party _ how dysfunctional the conservative party has _ how dysfunctional the conservative party has become, the country can rely on _ party has become, the country can rely on labour. we will act in the national— rely on labour. we will act in the national interest, as we have done throughout— national interest, as we have done throughout the pandemic, putting public— throughout the pandemic, putting public health before party politics, by supporting the motion is under consideration this afternoon. venues are planning — consideration this afternoon. venues are planning for— consideration this afternoon. venues are planning for the _ consideration this afternoon. venues are planning for the changes, - are planning for the changes, including and larger stadiums. what do fans at crystal palace's football ground think about having to show a covid pass? i ground think about having to show a covid ass? .. . ground think about having to show a covid ass? ,, , ., ., ., covid pass? i think it is a good idea to have _ covid pass? i think it is a good idea to have them, _ covid pass? i think it is a good idea to have them, yes, - covid pass? i think it is a good - idea to have them, yes, definitely. i idea to have them, yes, definitely. | -o idea to have them, yes, definitely. i go to— idea to have them, yes, definitely. i go to england _ idea to have them, yes, definitely. i go to england away— idea to have them, yes, definitely. i go to england away games, - idea to have them, yes, definitely. i go to england away games, you l idea to have them, yes, definitely. . i go to england away games, you have to do it _ i go to england away games, you have to do it when — i go to england away games, you have to do it when you go abroad sol don't _ to do it when you go abroad sol don't think— to do it when you go abroad sol don't think it is a huge amount of change. — don't think it is a huge amount of change. it— don't think it is a huge amount of change. it is— don't think it is a huge amount of change, it is what it is.— don't think it is a huge amount of change, it is what it is. we'll have not to change, it is what it is. we'll have got to look _ change, it is what it is. we'll have got to look after _ change, it is what it is. we'll have got to look after each _ change, it is what it is. we'll have got to look after each other - change, it is what it is. we'll have got to look after each other and i change, it is what it is. we'll have got to look after each other and itj got to look after each other and it is just one of those things. don’t isjust one of those things. don't need them. _ isjust one of those things. don't need them. i _ isjust one of those things. don't need them, i don't _ isjust one of those things. don't need them, i don't know, - isjust one of those things. don't need them, i don't know, i- isjust one of those things. don't need them, i don't know, ijust i need them, i don't know, ijust don't _ need them, i don't know, ijust don't think— need them, i don't know, ijust don't think it — need them, i don't know, ijust don't think it is _ need them, i don't know, ijust don't think it is the _ need them, i don't know, ijust don't think it is the best - need them, i don't know, ijust don't think it is the best thing i need them, i don't know, ijustl don't think it is the best thing to be doing — don't think it is the best thing to be doing for— don't think it is the best thing to be doing for a _ don't think it is the best thing to be doing for a football— don't think it is the best thing to be doing for a football match, i don't think it is the best thing to be doing for a football match, it| don't think it is the best thing to i be doing for a football match, it is outdoor— be doing for a football match, it is outdoor -- — be doing for a football match, it is outdoor —— back _ be doing for a football match, it is outdoor —— back outdoors - be doing for a football match, it is outdoor —— back outdoors anyway. be doing for a football match, it is- outdoor —— back outdoors anyway. the outdoor -- back outdoors anyway. the liberal outdoor —— back outdoors anyway. liberal democrat leader has joined a growing list of mps who have tested positive and is questioning how effective some of the measures are. we think the vaccine passports would -ive we think the vaccine passports would give people a false sense of security— give people a false sense of security because you can be double—jabbed, boosterjabs and double —jabbed, booster jabs and still carry — double—jabbed, boosterjabs and still carry or transmit the virus. the _ still carry or transmit the virus. the liberal— still carry or transmit the virus. the liberal democrat support a better— the liberal democrat support a better option to insist on negative lateral— better option to insist on negative lateral flow tests for entry to things— lateral flow tests for entry to things like nightclubs, that really can work — things like nightclubs, that really can work. . , ., _ ., , can work. that view shared by dozens of conservatives, _ can work. that view shared by dozens of conservatives, who _ can work. that view shared by dozens of conservatives, who are _ can work. that view shared by dozens of conservatives, who are preparing i of conservatives, who are preparing to defy borisjohnson. {amid of conservatives, who are preparing to defy boris johnson.— to defy boris johnson. covid will be with us for many _ to defy boris johnson. covid will be with us for many years _ to defy boris johnson. covid will be with us for many years to _ to defy boris johnson. covid will be with us for many years to come - to defy boris johnson. covid will be | with us for many years to come and it is unthinkable _ with us for many years to come and it is unthinkable that— with us for many years to come and it is unthinkable that every- with us for many years to come and it is unthinkable that every autumn| it is unthinkable that every autumn from _ it is unthinkable that every autumn from now— it is unthinkable that every autumn from now on. — it is unthinkable that every autumn from now on. we _ it is unthinkable that every autumn from now on, we will— it is unthinkable that every autumn from now on, we will be _ it is unthinkable that every autumn from now on, we will be limiting i it is unthinkable that every autumn. from now on, we will be limiting the quality— from now on, we will be limiting the quality of— from now on, we will be limiting the quality of life — from now on, we will be limiting the quality of life for— from now on, we will be limiting the quality of life for all— from now on, we will be limiting the quality of life for all citizens - quality of life for all citizens 'ust quality of life for all citizens just to — quality of life for all citizens just to be _ quality of life for all citizens just to be on _ quality of life for all citizens just to be on the _ quality of life for all citizens just to be on the safe - quality of life for all citizens just to be on the safe side. i quality of life for all citizens | just to be on the safe side. i quality of life for all citizens just to be on the safe side. i am very disappointed _ just to be on the safe side. i am very disappointed we _ just to be on the safe side. very disappointed we have very quickly gone into panic and emergency mode, with late night, sunday night broadcasts, not in the house of commons, where questions can be asked. frankly, scaring people witless. it can be asked. frankly, scaring people witless.— people witless. it is a plea, in order to go — people witless. it is a plea, in order to go forward _ people witless. it is a plea, in order to go forward togetherl people witless. it is a plea, in i order to go forward together as a nation, _ order to go forward together as a nation, we — order to go forward together as a nation, we have to stop passing never—ending regulations and move forward _ never—ending regulations and move forward in _ never—ending regulations and move forward in a — never—ending regulations and move forward in a voluntary, community, public— forward in a voluntary, community, public spirited way. the forward in a voluntary, community, public spirited way.— public spirited way. the prime minister's _ public spirited way. the prime minister's authority _ public spirited way. the prime minister's authority has i public spirited way. the prime minister's authority has taken | public spirited way. the prime i minister's authority has taken a hit in the past few weeks, his supporters worry he will struggle to get his party and the country behind him. he could be relying on labour to do so, and that is not a comfortable position for any leader to be in and instead he's tried to persuade his own side and in the last few minutes he's been talking to them in a room up he's been talking to them in a room up there and there is some stark language from the prime minister saying that the government has no choice but to act and they cannot rely on this new variant being mild, and it is so transmissible that it could lead to the numbers in hospital being a disastrous, so some very stark language there and many of those listening to it say he really did get across the gravity of the situation. that, of course, leads to people on the other side saying, actually, he should be doing an awful lot more. a woman has been found guilty of murdering her girlfriend's i6—month—old child. star hobson endured months of assaults and psychological harm at the hands of 28—year—old savannah brockhill. a jury at bradford crown court cleared the little girl's mother, frankie smith, of murder and manslaughter, but convicted her of causing, or allowing, her daughter's death. our north of england correspondent danny savage's report contains distressing details. star hobson — a happy little girl, seen here with her great—grandfather. but over a period of months, she changed from this — you are about to see a distressing image of star asleep, covered in bruises. she was seen by police and social workers, but was always allowed to stay with her abusers. in the months before her death, david fawcett and his partner, anita, compared star's plight to baby p, who died despite being well known to children's services. they went on to have a chilling conversation with a social worker. anita says, "well, you don't want another baby p on your hands, do you?" and she said, "how do you mean?" so anita said, "well, just think about it, you know, that little baby p a couple of years ago, he got let down by the social services, so we just want you to go see what the problem is here." but, er, that was it, we never heard a thing. theyjust said the case were closed, and that were that. star's own mother and her partner lied repeatedly about how she had been hurt, while subjecting her to a horrifically cruel campaign of abuse. frankie smith and savannah brockhill deprived their little girl of sleep, played cruel psychological tricks, and kept concerned social workers away from her. pretty girl. you're a spoilt pretty girl. star hobson was anything but spoilt. smith and brockhill posted these caring images publicly but, privately, they were horrible to her. on one occasion, brockhill took star to her work at a recycling centre. cameras here later caught the amateur boxer hitting star 21 times, over three hours. and if you want to keep your kneecaps... brockhill was routinely violent towards star and even called herself a psychopath. she's with the number—one psycho. to me, she were just pure evil. ijust can't believe she could do something like that to a baby girl. she, like, ascended from the bowels of hell and just completely devastated, wrecked our family. ambulance service, i is the patient breathing? on september 22nd last year, star hobson was murdered. is she conscious? on the day she died, her killer searched the internet for how to bring a baby out of shock. that was 15 minutes before savannah brockhill calmly made this call. she was crying, and then she stopped crying, and then she was sick. and now, she'sjust a little bit floppy, to be honest with you. ijust find it beyond belief that anybody could treat a child in the way that star was treated over that period of time, and then to inflict those horrific injuries that caused her death. today, savannah brockhill was found guilty of murder. frankie smith was convicted of causing, or allowing, the death of a child. was star hobson's death avoidable? many questions are raised by the short life of this sweet little girl. many of those questions will be aimed at the bradford city council children's services department and the council has issued a statement this afternoon saying that we are very aware there is much we need to learn from the case and understand why opportunities to better protect star were missed and we deeply regret that not all of the warning signs were not seen that lead to firmer action. the family's only comfort is seeing justice with brockel and smith being sentenced here tomorrow. the time is 620pm. our top story this evening. more queues for covid jabs as the prime minister says there is concern over the omicron variant. coming up: another rise in the number of children absent from school in england due to covid. coming up in sportsday on the bbc news channel. arsenal have stripped pierre—emerick aubameyang of the club captaincy and dropped him for their next game after a "disciplinary breach". reports suggest he returned late from an authorised trip to france. big tech companies should be forced to take tougher action against online crimes and abuse according to a parliamentary committee. they've called for greater safeguards for children and women and more action on tackling fraud and racist abuse to be made law. their report said it was necessary to 'call time on the wild west online'. our media editor amol rajan has the details. for years, for yea rs, every for years, every country and particularly western democracies have grappled with how to minimise the harms of life online while reaping the benefits. many of those harms affect children, especially grooming, usually by anonymous abusers. louise, as we've agreed to call her, was targeted when just 11 years old. call her, was targeted when 'ust 11 ears old. ,, ., call her, was targeted when 'ust 11 ears old. . , call her, was targeted when 'ust 11 ears old. ., , ., , call her, was targeted when 'ust 11 earsold. ., , ., , years old. so, i really, really was asked -- — years old. so, i really, really was asked -- was— years old. so, i really, really was asked -- was after— years old. so, i really, really was asked -- was after that - years old. so, i really, really was asked -- was after that attention j asked —— was after that attention and validation from someone in my life and abusers have recognised these kind of things and recognise venerable people and this abuse stole my teenage years away from me. she is now working with the nspcc to improve child safety online. l improve child safety online. i really think there needs to improve child safety online. l really think there needs to be a massive push for online safety for children because it isjust massive push for online safety for children because it is just not acceptable and there are so many different ways that kids can fall into the traps or these places where there are predators. it should not be up to kids to keep themselves safe on the internet. fish be up to kids to keep themselves safe on the internet. an important re ort safe on the internet. an important report today _ safe on the internet. an important report today by — safe on the internet. an important report today by a _ safe on the internet. an important report today by a joint _ safe on the internet. an important report today by a joint committee | safe on the internet. an important i report today by a joint committee on the draft online safety bill which is due, finally, to go through parliament next year, contains recommendations likely to be followed. it suggests minimum safety standards in british law, policed by the regulator, ofcom. new offences to make cyber flashing, the regulator, ofcom. new offences to make cyberflashing, the the regulator, ofcom. new offences to make cyber flashing, the sending of explicit pictures or any promotion of suicide or self—harm illegal. and there will be exemptions for quality publishers to protect freedom of speech. mr; protect freedom of speech. m youngest daughter protect freedom of speech. mg youngest daughter died... protect freedom of speech. my i youngest daughter died... having heard from _ youngest daughter died... having heard from ian _ youngest daughter died... having heard from ian russell, _ youngest daughter died... having heard from ian russell, whose i heard from ian russell, whose teenage daughter molly took her own life after seeing self—harm images on instagram, the committee also recommends bereaved parents should be able to access their dead children's account. the key focus of the recommendation is to transfer power from the recommendation is to transfer powerfrom silicon the recommendation is to transfer power from silicon valley to elected officials closer to home, and to make what is illegal legal off—line also illegal online. this baroness has campaigned for a safe internet for years. l has campaigned for a safe internet for ears. .. . has campaigned for a safe internet for ears. ~' ., , ., for years. i think we have seen over a eriod for years. i think we have seen over a period of— for years. i think we have seen over a period of time _ for years. i think we have seen over a period of time that _ for years. i think we have seen over a period of time that the _ for years. i think we have seen over a period of time that the desire i for years. i think we have seen over a period of time that the desire for| a period of time that the desire for growth has not been mitigated by an equal and opposite desire to keep either individuals or society safe and we have just seen so many bad outcomes and, you know, the tech sector has failed to deal with them by itself. sector has failed to deal with them b itself. . . ., ., , , by itself. regulating technology is ve hard by itself. regulating technology is very hard which _ by itself. regulating technology is very hard which is _ by itself. regulating technology is very hard which is why _ by itself. regulating technology is very hard which is why it - by itself. regulating technology is very hard which is why it taking i by itself. regulating technology is very hard which is why it taking so long to implement new rules, but the era of self—regulation is over. more and more pupils and teachers are off school with suspected or confirmed coronavirus in england. there's been a similar picture in scotland too over recent weeks. headteachers in some areas say they're struggling to put teachers in front of every class. our education editor branwen jeffreys reports. as they get off the bus, a squirt of sanitiser. school is ramping up precautions again across england and scotland, more pupils and teachers absent. mrs regan runs 30 schools around darlington as determined to keep them open. around darlington as determined to keep them open-— around darlington as determined to keep them open. we've already lost in some ways _ keep them open. we've already lost in some ways a _ keep them open. we've already lost in some ways a generation. - keep them open. we've already lost in some ways a generation. a i keep them open. we've already lost | in some ways a generation. a cheese tells me covering. _ in some ways a generation. a cheese tells me covering. it _ in some ways a generation. a cheese tells me covering. it is _ in some ways a generation. a cheese tells me covering. it is hard. - in some ways a generation. a cheese tells me covering. it is hard. in i tells me covering. it is hard. in recent weeks — tells me covering. it is hard. in recent weeks we've _ tells me covering. it is hard. in recent weeks we've had - tells me covering. it is hard. in recent weeks we've had to i tells me covering. it is hard. in | recent weeks we've had to close tells me covering. it is hard. in i recent weeks we've had to close a year group in primary school because we simply could not cover it in terms of staffing and there were no supplies to be had. the supply agency also said that they were 50% down on the amount of supply teachers that they could provide two scores. . . . teachers that they could provide two scores. . , , , ., teachers that they could provide two scores. . , , y ., ~ . scores. hands up if you think air is a mixture? — scores. hands up if you think air is a mixture? in _ scores. hands up if you think air is a mixture? in the _ scores. hands up if you think air is a mixture? in the classroom, i scores. hands up if you think air is a mixture? in the classroom, a i scores. hands up if you think air is| a mixture? in the classroom, a c02 manauer a mixture? in the classroom, a c02 manager means — a mixture? in the classroom, a c02 manager means open _ a mixture? in the classroom, a c02 manager means open windows i a mixture? in the classroom, a c02 manager means open windows and | manager means open windows and energy bills or schools have scored. schools are trying to get through fully open until the end of term. already across this group of schools more than half of the teachers have had covid since the beginning of the pandemic, making precautions such as opening windows and ventilating classrooms all the more important. especially with christmas coming, there's a lot of push to do all of there's a lot of push to do all of the testing and wearing masks. we've been told to keep _ the testing and wearing masks. we've been told to keep the _ the testing and wearing masks. we've been told to keep the windows - the testing and wearing masks. we've been told to keep the windows open and doors _ been told to keep the windows open and doors open, so i've decided to bring _ and doors open, so i've decided to bring a _ and doors open, so i've decided to bring a lump— and doors open, so i've decided to bring ajump in. and doors open, so i've decided to bring a jump in-— bring a 'ump in. they want to be back in bring a jump in. they want to be back in school— bring a jump in. they want to be back in school after— bring a jump in. they want to be back in school after christmas. i bring a jump in. they want to be i back in school after christmas. it's ve back in school after christmas. lt�*s very important because children can see their friends and i think keeping the windows open is a very small price to pay because it's much better than being poorly and getting covid. �* .,, better than being poorly and getting covid. . .,, ., better than being poorly and getting covid. . ., . , better than being poorly and getting covid. . ., ., , covid. almost time for the last bell of term, covid. almost time for the last bell of term. so — covid. almost time for the last bell of term. so are _ covid. almost time for the last bell of term, so are these _ covid. almost time for the last bell of term, so are these primary i of term, so are these primary parents worried about the new variant? l parents worried about the new variant? ., �* ~' �* parents worried about the new variant? ., �* ,, �* ., variant? i don't think i'm worried as such but _ variant? i don't think i'm worried as such but concerned, - variant? i don't think i'm worried | as such but concerned, definitely. when your kids are in an environment where there are lots of people in a small room you have to be concerned. i feel our school has fantastic procedures in place as well, sol feel comfortable that when they come back they— feel comfortable that when they come back they are in a safe environment as well _ back they are in a safe environment as well. . .. . back they are in a safe environment as well. n' , , , back they are in a safe environment as well. n , , , ., as well. picking up tests for christmas. _ as well. picking up tests for christmas, everyone - as well. picking up tests forj christmas, everyone hoping as well. picking up tests for i christmas, everyone hoping that schools will be able to open in january. north shropshire has had a consevative mp for nearly 200 years. on thursday, voters will go to the polls to elect their new mp. the by—election was triggered by the resignation of owen paterson, who broke parliamentary rules on lobbying. our political correspondent alex forsyth has been talking to people in shropshire. in north shropshire, they are not necessarily used to all of this attention, but this constituency has been thrown into sharp focus. it is the centre of a political contest thatis the centre of a political contest that is particularly crucial for the conservatives. their candidate is trying to hold a seat that has been tory for decades but for which he is having to fight. tory for decades but for which he is having to fight-— having to fight. there's lots of distractions _ having to fight. there's lots of distractions nationally - having to fight. there's lots of distractions nationally but i having to fight. there's lots of| distractions nationally but what having to fight. there's lots of i distractions nationally but what is important is i am talking to the voters see on the constituents and putting forward a positive message and what i would say is that unlike some of my opponents, i'm the only candidate putting forward a positive message with solutions. this candidate putting forward a positive message with solutions.— message with solutions. this is a vast constituency. _ message with solutions. this is a vast constituency. swathes i message with solutions. this is a vast constituency. swathes of i vast constituency. swathes of farmland scattered through market towns, and most people here back to brexit. a loss here would be a blow for the conservatives. this time, the lib dems are pitching themselves as the alternative. l the lib dems are pitching themselves as the alternative.— as the alternative. i think there is as the alternative. i think there is a stron: as the alternative. i think there is a strong sense — as the alternative. i think there is a strong sense that _ as the alternative. i think there is a strong sense that people - as the alternative. i think there is a strong sense that people have i as the alternative. i think there is i a strong sense that people have been taken _ a strong sense that people have been taken for— a strong sense that people have been taken for granted by the conservatives and what we are saying is if they— conservatives and what we are saying is if they can — conservatives and what we are saying is if they can send a message to the government— is if they can send a message to the government that that is not acceptable any more and elect an mp that will— acceptable any more and elect an mp that will listen to the people here and fight — that will listen to the people here and fight their corner for them nationally. and fight their corner for them nationally-— and fight their corner for them i nationally._ labour, nationally. everyone ready? labour, too, is nationally. everyone ready? labour, too. is standing _ nationally. everyone ready? labour, too, is standing firm _ nationally. everyone ready? labour, too, is standing firm in _ nationally. everyone ready? labour, too, is standing firm in the - nationally. everyone ready? labour, too, is standing firm in the fight, i too, is standing firm in the fight, hoping they can cause a political upset. hoping they can cause a political u set. �* . . hoping they can cause a political u set, �* , ., ., hoping they can cause a political uset. �*, ., . i. hoping they can cause a political uset. �*, . . . upset. it's great and you meet an awful lot of — upset. it's great and you meet an awful lot of people _ upset. it's great and you meet an awful lot of people who _ upset. it's great and you meet an awful lot of people who usually . upset. it's great and you meet an i awful lot of people who usually vote tory, as they do round here, who are frankly fed up and feel like they have been taken for granted. it's notjust have been taken for granted. it's not just the christmas have been taken for granted. it's notjust the christmas party have been taken for granted. it's not just the christmas party and barnard castle, it's about having no one around here who has been standing upfor one around here who has been standing up for this.— one around here who has been standing up for this. there is anger here at recent _ standing up for this. there is anger here at recent events. _ standing up for this. there is anger here at recent events. they - standing up for this. there is anger here at recent events. they are i standing up for this. there is angerj here at recent events. they are not abidin: b here at recent events. they are not abiding by their— here at recent events. they are not abiding by their own _ here at recent events. they are not abiding by their own rules - here at recent events. they are not abiding by their own rules and i here at recent events. they are not abiding by their own rules and that | abiding by their own rules and that is unacceptable.— is unacceptable. trying to keep conservatives _ is unacceptable. trying to keep conservatives i _ is unacceptable. trying to keep conservatives i like, _ is unacceptable. trying to keep conservatives i like, from i is unacceptable. trying to keep conservatives i like, from a - is unacceptable. trying to keep i conservatives i like, from a little boy village, _ conservatives i like, from a little boy village, a _ conservatives i like, from a little boy village, a mining _ conservatives i like, from a little boy village, a mining town- conservatives i like, from a little boy village, a mining town that i| boy village, a mining town that i like _ boy village, a mining town that i like. �* , , , . , boy village, a mining town that i like. , ,f boy village, a mining town that i like. �* ,,,. , ' it's like. but perspectives differ. it's a distraction _ like. but perspectives differ. it's a distraction from _ like. but perspectives differ. it's a distraction from what - like. but perspectives differ. it's a distraction from what is - like. but perspectives differ. it's a distraction from what is going | like. but perspectives differ. it's i a distraction from what is going on. there are more serious things like a pandemic. i there are more serious things like a andemic. , ., ., ., , ., pandemic. i shall vote conservative. i write down — pandemic. i shall vote conservative. i write down the _ pandemic. i shall vote conservative. i write down the things _ pandemic. i shall vote conservative. i write down the things that - pandemic. i shall vote conservative. i write down the things that are - i write down the things that are good _ i write down the things that are good and — i write down the things that are good and bad and i think boris has done _ good and bad and i think boris has done very. — good and bad and i think boris has done very, very well in adversity. this by—election is an important measure of the public mood and an important moment for borisjohnson. important moment for boris johnson. there important moment for borisjohnson. there is unrest in this party, but for many conservatives he is the man who has won them elections so they will be watching to see if it happens here on traditional tory turf after a few turbulent weeks in westminster. the challenges are circling. the green party saying local services have been neglected and reform uk is out campaigning even though their candidate has covid, hoping to capture dissolution photos and ukip and the reclaim party pushing at that too. for some it is frustrating. i’m party pushing at that too. for some it is frustrating.— it is frustrating. i'm sick to death of it and i'm _ it is frustrating. i'm sick to death of it and i'm sick _ it is frustrating. i'm sick to death of it and i'm sick of _ it is frustrating. i'm sick to death of it and i'm sick of them - it is frustrating. i'm sick to death of it and i'm sick of them putting i of it and i'm sick of them putting leaflets in mono because they go straight into the recycling bin. i’m straight into the recycling bin. i'm a bit more — straight into the recycling bin. i'm a bit more tolerant than my wife but what i _ a bit more tolerant than my wife but what i do _ a bit more tolerant than my wife but what i do think is that parties need to think_ what i do think is that parties need to think long and hard about how they treat — to think long and hard about how they treat their constituents. there are multiple _ they treat their constituents. there are multiple factors _ they treat their constituents. there are multiple factors at _ they treat their constituents. there are multiple factors at play - they treat their constituents. there are multiple factors at play here i are multiple factors at play here stop local issues, the national picture, whatever colour people pick, could determine how merry this christmas is for the parties in this race. there are a total of ia candidates standing in the north shropshire by—election. here's a full list of them. and you can find more details about the by—election on our website — bbc.co.uk/news. time for a look at the weather. here's ben rich. good evening. we've seen all the stuff happening right now but at least one thing we won't have to worry an awful lot about over the coming days as the weather. it's going to be settled, certainly no storms on the horizon and in the run—up to christmas this high—pressure will establish itself across the uk with a jet stream wrapping around in the shape of the greek letter 0 mega if you can see that coming in from here around the high pressure and back down in the mediterranean and when we see the patterns, the ohmic shape is assigned to meteorologist at the high pressure is here to stay and we've not reached the top yet with a high pressure as we have little pieces of rain to deal with and south—western scotland in northern ireland but generally speaking the weather tomorrow will be dry with variable amounts of cloud and basically the cloudier skies, the further west you are with the onshore winds of the atlantic and