or will you be avoiding big events all together? get in touch on twitter using the hashtag #bbcyourquestions. fire has broken out in a skyscraper in hong kong, leaving dozens of people trapped on the rooftop. desperation in afghanistan, millions risk starvation this winter. we visit one hospital being stretched to the limit. this is a child malnutrition ward. temperatures here can drop to —10 celsius at night, even lower at times. they've only got enough wood in this heater to last a couple of hours. and uk care companies supporting the elderly and disabled complain of staff shortages, amid fears that compulsary covid vaccinatons for employees will only make things worse. uk prime minister borisjohnson is facing fresh questions over his authority, after nearly 100 of his own mps rebelled against the introduction of mandatory covid passes in england. despite the rebellion, adults in england now need proof of double—vaccination, or a negative lateral flow test to enter nightclubs, big sporting matches and other large events, such as those held indoors with a capacity of more than 500 people. mps also backed mandatory facemasks in some settings, as well as compulsory vaccinations for nhs workers in england. both of these measures were also subject to smaller conservative rebellions. but 99 conservative mps rebelled against boris johnson on covid passes — by far the biggest since he took office two and a half years ago, and the measure relied on the support of labour to pass. in the past hour, the labour leader sir keir starmer has tweeted to say "the public is safer thanks to labour putting people's health before party politics. the prime minister needs to take a long, hard look at himself and ask whether he has the authority to take this country through the pandemic". our first report is from our political correspondent ben wright. the ayes to the right, 369, the noes to the left, 126. the scale of the rebellion produced gasps in the commons. the government won the vote to introduce covid passes in england for crowded events, but 99 conservative mps voted against the policy, the biggest revolt of borisjohnson�*s premiership. the measure only passed because of labour's support. this is a very significant blow to the already damaged authority of the prime minister. it confirms that he is too weak to discharge the basic functions of government. these public health measures would not have gone through if labour had not shown the leadership that the prime ministerfailed to show. so, from today, nhs covid passes, showing a recent negative test orfull vaccination, must be shown to get into many large venues, including nightclubs. but this was the measure that most angered conservative rebels. for them it was a step too far, and they wanted to send borisjohnson a message. this was just a bridge too far. vaccine passports today, what tomorrow, or a week down the road? so i think they were putting a marker down. and it's been proven in scotland, vaccine passports don't work, they don't prevent infection. so, i think it was a cry of pain from the conservative party. ministers warned mps the threat from the 0micron variant is grave. they have predicted a surge in hospitalisations in the coming weeks, which is why these new protections have been put in place. of course it's difficult. every decision we make has costs, has consequences. everybody is weighing those up all the time, my colleagues are weighing those up all the time. but we have decided that we need to buy time. we really do need to slow down this unbelievably transmittable virus, so that we can get everybody vaccinated. vaccines remain the bedrock of the government's strategy for tackling the new variant, and accelerating the access to boosters has produced a surge in demand. england's chief medical officer, professor chris whitty, made his own plea in a video released last night. get your covid—19 booster vaccine to strengthen your protection. please get boosted now. conservative rebels want this to be the final time the prime minister asks the commons to tighten restrictions. but with covid surging, there is no guarantee. ben wright, bbc news, westminster. the uk transport secretary grant shapps says he's not expecting any further covid restrictions this month. we've got in place now the measures that we believe will see us through to the new year. and some of the measures which are not relevant, we are removing. in fact, yesterday we removed the red list countries. there is no point in having those any more because omicron is already here. so, we always try and keep these things proportionate, and remove them as quickly as possible. one thing i can say for certain is if we did need to do anything else, parliament would be recalled in order to vote on doing that, so it wouldn'tjust be an automated thing. coming in, in the last few moments, breaking news. this is a comment made by doctorjenny harries, the chief executive of the centre xhaka uk health security agency. she has told mps that omicron is probably the most significant threat since the most significant threat since the start of the pandemic. probably the start of the pandemic. probably the most significant threat since the most significant threat since the start of the pandemic. that is the start of the pandemic. that is the assessment of the uk health security agency, speaking to mps about the omicron variant of covid, giving evidence to the transport committee, she said the growth rate, the doubling time, was now under two daysin the doubling time, was now under two days in most regions of the uk. the initial thoughts, the data coming from south africa and elsewhere, the transmission rate of the virus, that it was more transmissible, it certainly seems to be the case. dr jenny harries saying the growth rate of omicron, the doubling time, was under two days in most regions of the uk. the uk is in a "race between the virus and the vaccine" over the spread of omicron — that's the warning from the health secretary, sajid javid, as he urged the public to go get their booster shot. huge numbers of people have spent hours queuing for their third jabs over recent days. earlier we heard from our reporter, luxmy gopal, who is at a vaccination centre in sheffield. this vaccination centre in sheffield, like many others across the country, is expecting a very busy morning and has already had one. it does not look as jam—packed, like dense queues saw yesterday, because they have a very spaced out system here, where the queue snakes around all the way around the corner, through the corridor, and winds through until it gets into the centre. while it may not look that packed, they have already administered 250 jobs this morning. they have carried out 2000, double the number of last week. you can get a sense of the increased demand on surge in demand for poster bookings this morning. —— booster bookings. this morning, it has been opened up and extended so anyone over the age of 18 is eligible to get a booster. let's speak to someone, this is caitlin. caitlin, thank you for speaking to us. you are here for your boosterjab. you only became eligible yesterday because you are 23, and yesterday over 30—year—olds were allowed to book. what made you decide to get it as soon as you can? ijust want to protect others and myself, i don't see why you wouldn't, i have had my others, and i wanted to get it as soon as possible. some had issues with the nhs website crashing, and people struggling to get a booking. what was your experience? i had to queue for ten minutes, but ijust left it on my laptop and waited until i got through. it was pretty seamless once i got through. among people you know when your age group, what is the sense of how much of a feeling of urgency there is to get the jab? me and my friends were messaging each other, i booked on this day, i booked on that day, it seems we are trying to get it done as soon as possible, amongst my friends, obviously. there were images of queues in the news yesterday, where you had some centres where there were people queueing for up to five hours. what has been the experience of people you know? do you know anybody that queued for a while? i know people who have tried and then realised, let's wait, and then hopefully get a specific spot. but i have seen the queues near my way in sheffield. as you said, yours has not been that bad at all. seamless. excellent. thank you for speaking to us. we will let you get yourjab. kate lamb, who is about to get her boosterjab. one of the other things is that now the 15 minute wait time after getting your booster has been removed, because they felt that it is not necessary. that was at a time when any side effects were unknown. nurses have told me that after 12 months of administering these vaccines, there is greater knowledge, there is no longer the need for the 15 minute wait, which will increase capacity, which is really important, because the government wants to have a boosterjab offered up to every adult by the end of this year, by the 31st of december. and that is not very far to go. some of you have been getting in touch about the issue of covid passes. from today, you will need a covid pass for entry into nightclubs, and other large venues, and other parts of the world. they are already in use. marcus garratt on twitter says i am in france, skiing with my son and i have been to greece, pakistan and dubai on business in the past month. covid passes are required in france and greece, all perfectly fine to deal with. i've had seven tests along the way. mark says, i am a libertarian but we are in a crisis, so needs must. psychic sam says it is not about a virus, it is about control. this needs to stop, and i think people will turn against the government and their draconian ways. truth always comes out, this is in protecting anyone, vaccine passports don't work. keep your thoughts coming in, whether you disagree in principle and will not be using them, orwhether... principle and will not be using them, or whether... well, principle and will not be using them, orwhether... well, nobody wants to have a covid pass, but they might want to get into a venue, whether you think it is worth using them to get into a venue over christmas and new year. let me know your thoughts on all of that. you can do that on twitter. the president of the european commision, ursula von der leyen, has warned that the rapidly spreading omicron variant could become dominant coronavirus strain in europe by the middle ofjanuary. her warning comes after members of the us congress held a vigil on the steps of the us capitol to mourn the more than 800,000p americans now known to have died from covid—19. the tally is the highest for any country. the us is facing a new wave of infections, with the omicron variant spreading rapidly. more than 60% of americans have been vaccinated, but millions have chosen not to be jabbed. the majority of deaths have been among the unvaccinated. the head of the world health organization has issued a new warning about omicron — saying it is spreading far more quickly than any other to date. stephanie prentice reports. it's been three weeks since the first detection of omicron, but it is likely to be in most countries by now. that's according to the world health organization, pushing for increased vaccination, and forced mask wearing and further social distancing. as the new variant move swiftly around the world. it is spreading _ swiftly around the world. it is spreading at _ swiftly around the world. it is spreading at a _ swiftly around the world. it is spreading at a rate _ swiftly around the world. it 3 spreading at a rate we have not seen with any previous variant. we are concerned that people are dismissing omicron as mild. surely we have learned by now that we underestimate this virus at our peril? even if omicron does cause less severe diseases, the sheer number of cases could once again overwhelm unprepared health systems. 3’? unprepared health systems. 77 countries are now reporting omicron cases, with manyjolting into action. the uk has rolled out its plan b measures. and in the netherlands, primary schools are closing early for the holidays. christmas there will once again roll out with less sparkle, as the night—time lockdown is extended, limiting house guests to form a queue over christmas and new year's eve. —— two four. queue over christmas and new year's eve- -- two four-— eve. -- two four. translation: there's eve. -- two four. translation: there's a — eve. -- two four. translation: there's a lot _ eve. -- two four. translation: there's a lot we _ eve. -- two four. translation: there's a lot we don't _ eve. -- two four. translation: there's a lot we don't know- eve. -- two four. translation: | there's a lot we don't know about omicron yet, more information will be revealed in coming days and weeks. we do not know yet how sickening this variant is. what we do know by now is enough to worry us. ., , do know by now is enough to worry us. . , . . . do know by now is enough to worry us. .,, .., . , , do know by now is enough to worry us. early data had suggested omicron ma be us. early data had suggested omicron may be resistant _ us. early data had suggested omicron may be resistant to _ us. early data had suggested omicron may be resistant to vaccines, - us. early data had suggested omicron may be resistant to vaccines, with - may be resistant to vaccines, with many countries fearful of hospitals being overwhelmed. but some experts are more optimistic. what being overwhelmed. but some experts are more optimistic.— are more optimistic. what we are not seeinr is are more optimistic. what we are not seeing is the — are more optimistic. what we are not seeing is the same _ are more optimistic. what we are not seeing is the same kind _ are more optimistic. what we are not seeing is the same kind of— are more optimistic. what we are not seeing is the same kind of rate - are more optimistic. what we are not seeing is the same kind of rate of - seeing is the same kind of rate of mortality as we did with data, or even the high viral load of delta. it should be less pathogenic, but that does not mean if you are unvaccinated that you should not be worried about it, we would still encourage you to get the vaccine, get your booster. get encourage you to get the vaccine, get your booster.— encourage you to get the vaccine, get your booster. get the vaccine, the sentiment _ get your booster. get the vaccine, the sentiment echoed _ get your booster. get the vaccine, the sentiment echoed by - get your booster. get the vaccine, the sentiment echoed by the - get your booster. get the vaccine, | the sentiment echoed by the who. get your booster. get the vaccine, - the sentiment echoed by the who. but with a nod to vaccine inequality in poorer nations. reiterating the fact that when it comes to battling variance, the world is only as strong as its least vaccinated population. the former conservative mayoral candidate shaun bailey has quit as chair of a police and crime committee on the london assembly. it's after the daily mirror paper published a photo of him at a christmas party last december. it was organised by his team at the conservative campaign headquarters. mr bailey remains a member of the committee and of the london assembly. a fire has broken out in a skyscraper in hong kong. more than 100 people are waiting to be rescued — and at least 13 people have been injured in the 38—storey world trade centre in the causeway bay shopping district. more than 1,000 people have already been led to safety. firefighters are working to extinguish the blaze and reach people trapped inside. the building had been undergoing renovation and is covered in scaffolding. our reporter danny vincent is in hong kong and has the latest. there were reports earlier today that as many as 300 people were trapped on the roof of the world trade centre. around 12:30pm this afternoon, there were reports that a large fire had broken out. the reports were that the fire broke out in an electrical room. the fire then spread up the scaffolding of the building. we then started seeing pictures and videos on social media of relatively large groups of people stranded on the roof of this building, waiting for firefighters to come to essentially save them. it seems that, according to the police, the fire is now largely under control. we are waiting for the latest, there will be a press conference later today from the authorities, but what we do know is that this was a large fire and many people were stranded at the top of this building. so how have rescuers been getting the people off that roof? well, we have seen pictures and videos of extendable ladders that have been taken up to this building. of course, it is one of many very high buildings in hong kong, it is 38 storeys high. many were having lunch when the fire broke out and were told, instead of going down, to go up to the roof and wait it out essentially until the fire was put out so they could be rescued and evacuated from the building. data released by the office for national statistics this morning shows the cost of living has risen at its fastest rate for ten years — with inflation standing at 5.1% in the year to november. the rate of inflation, as measured by the consumer prices index, was substantially higher than analysts had been expecting, up from 4.2% the previous month. the rise was partly driven by sharp increases in the cost of petrol and clothing. earlier i spoke to liz martins who's a senior uk economist at hsbc, and i asked her to explain the reasons for this rise in inflation. there is a lot going on here, as you said, there are petrol prices going up, people's heating bills have gone up, food price inflation has jumped as well and then there are some funny factors in there as well, like used car prices. a car at the moment is an appreciating asset, used car inflation is up 27% year—on—year and clothing price inflation is higher, so these are increases really across the board of uk consumer spending. and i think it is quite broad—based. this is well above the average pay rise, of course. how much of a hit do you think this is going to be to people's living standards? i think unfortunately, we are going to see, on average, people's incomes are going fall in real terms through 2022, that is partly the inflation we are seeing and there is another leg of that to come in april, people's energy bills are going to go up yet again and tax rises are coming through in april, so we expect people's real incomes to fall byjust over 1% next year unless we have some much bigger than expected pay growth. we are expecting the bank of england to make a decision on interest rates tomorrow and i noticed in hsbc�*s response to the inflation figures today, this line, "under usual circumstances, it would be consistent, the inflation rate, with an imminent interest rate rise." i sense there is a "but". and the but is of course omicron. this inflation rate, 5.1% is more than double the bank of england's target, this is more than they were expecting, more than we were expecting, normally i think that would be a green light to raise interest rates now, but we have all of this uncertainty around the omicron variant, we don't know what will happen to the economy as a consequence in the next couple of months and that is why, on balance, we think they will wait at least until february, assuming that hopefully the worst of the omicron situation is behind us then. the 90's band the christians have released a new version of their hit, man don't cry, in support of nazanin zaghari—ratcliffe today. mrs zaghari—ratcliffe has been detained in iran for five years on spying charges which she denies. this version, featuring nazanin's husband richard and their daughter gabriella, has been reworked and named naz don't cry. let's take a listen. # daylight breaking through # so, naz, don't cry # don't cry # naz, don't cry # such a clear case of injustice i'm nowjoined by the christians' lead singer, garry christian. lovely to have you with us today, thank you so much for your time. i wonder if you could tell me a little bit first of all about how you have become involved in the campaign? i think it was talking to fans, you know. this has been going on for five years, don't forget. it was kind enough to bring it back into the public domain, as it were. some fans are saying, you know, man don't cry woodwork, if we changed a few lyrics around. i thought about it. i spoke to henry, who wrote the song. we went into the studio. it has been playing on my mind for as long as she has been away, in iran. you know, whatever is going on over the. let's not get political. we decided to go into the studio. i think it was my manager, emma, who suggested we get in touch with richard and her daughter, and bring them to the studio as well. and we had a wonderful day together, doing this. it wasjust an wonderful day together, doing this. it was just an idea that grew out of, you know, out of man don't cry, which was 30 years ago. you of, you know, out of man don't cry, which was 30 years ago.— which was 30 years ago. you talk about the lyrics _ which was 30 years ago. you talk about the lyrics being _ which was 30 years ago. you talk about the lyrics being really - which was 30 years ago. you talk about the lyrics being really apt, | about the lyrics being really apt, when the song was first released, that was used in the campaign to supportjohn mccarthy, held hostage in lebanon, of course. support john mccarthy, held hostage in lebanon, of course.— in lebanon, of course. absolutely. there is in lebanon, of course. absolutely. there is a — in lebanon, of course. absolutely. there is a synchronicity _ in lebanon, of course. absolutely. there is a synchronicity there. - in lebanon, of course. absolutely. there is a synchronicity there. it's| there is a synchronicity there. it's 30 ears there is a synchronicity there. it's 30 years on- _ there is a synchronicity there. it�*s 30 years on. it's all come back. it's strange that it is still happening, which is a strange one for me. you know, people being detained in countries where they should not be detained. there is a redress, the charity the money will be going to they try to get these people back. at my own personal feeling is that the government should be doing a lot more to get nazanin back, not leaving it to people like me, who are very small in this cargo of political stuff, you know. if it helps, it is great. it is fantastic. this is the sixth year of no christmas with your daughter. it must be terrible. maybe boris can sleep at night, i don't know, but i certainly can't, knowing that they are there. the know, but i certainly can't, knowing that they are there.— that they are there. the images we have seen of _ that they are there. the images we have seen of richard _ that they are there. the images we have seen of richard ratcliffe - that they are there. the images we have seen of richard ratcliffe have| have seen of richard ratcliffe have been of his hunger strike, and when we see the pictures of gabriella with her mother, it is generally when she was very little. she is seven now. i was watching the video, watching her playing the drums, thinking she was having a really nice time, how was it to make the video with them? it nice time, how was it to make the video with them?— nice time, how was it to make the video with them? it was great. she is video with them? it was great. she is brilliant- — video with them? it was great. she is brilliant. she _ video with them? it was great. she is brilliant. she has _ video with them? it was great. she is brilliant. she has got _ video with them? it was great. she is brilliant. she has got rhythm. . video with them? it was great. she is brilliant. she has got rhythm. i l is brilliant. she has got rhythm. i think she is a star in the making now. and richard are such a cool, calm and collected guy stop wonderful to meet them both. the trauma they must be going too, to get their wife back into the... i don't know, it beats me. i don't know what is going on in this world. i think if we owe money to a country, we should pay it. then things will be better, i think. but i will probably get lambasted for that. what you mentioned the charity redress. tell us more about them. obviously you hope that this song helps keep the attention in the public�*s mind, the attention of this because in the public�*s mines. you also hope that any money raised will help redress. tell us more about them. don't know that much about redress, when we started to work this project, they were kind of in the background. so, i know it is a charity that raises money to help people who are, as i say, in other countries. ijust hope that we raise enough. you know, i'm not really big on, hey, by oursingle, but i'm saying it now, hey, come on, by our single, because it means so much to this project, you know? what i would like is a number—one single at christmas. that would do me. not for the christians, but for this project and the redress charity. the christians, but for this pro'ect and the redress charity.�* the christians, but for this pro'ect and the redress charity. richard has done his utmost _ and the redress charity. richard has done his utmost over— and the redress charity. richard has done his utmost over the _ and the redress charity. richard has done his utmost over the years - and the redress charity. richard has done his utmost over the years to i done his utmost over the years to keep nazanin and her at the forefront of everyone's attention, and certainly the government's attention. what has he said about the music, using the song to do that? . ., ., ., , that? richard, no, he hates the son:! that? richard, no, he hates the song! that's — that? richard, no, he hates the song! that's a _ that? richard, no, he hates the song! that's a joke. _ that? richard, no, he hates the song! that's a joke. he - that? richard, no, he hates the song! that's a joke. he loves i that? richard, no, he hates thel song! that's a joke. he loves the song. he said, thank you and all that. but we are not looking for thanks or anything. wejust that. but we are not looking for thanks or anything. we just want things to be done. wejust thanks or anything. we just want things to be done. we just want to get this done. get nazanin back to herfamily. when i saw richard outside the foreign office on hunger strike, itjust hit me harder than you can imagine. this guy has gone through hell. ijust want you can imagine. this guy has gone through hell. i just want to see them get back together. through hell. ijust want to see them get back together.- through hell. ijust want to see them get back together. thank you so much for talking _ them get back together. thank you so much for talking to _ them get back together. thank you so much for talking to us _ them get back together. thank you so much for talking to us today, - them get back together. thank you so much for talking to us today, for - much for talking to us today, for telling us about the song. the time you spent with richard and gabriella. gary christian, thanks ever so much. it is four months now since kabul fell to the taliban and they retook control of afghanistan. during that time, the economy has been in freefall and a beleaguered medical system has struggled to cope with the spread of covid. secunder kermani has been to a hospital in ghor province that's in dire need of supplies for children who are malnourished, some suffering from measles. a nation struggling to survive. a hospital struggling to cope. the war is over in afghanistan, but hunger is the new threat. these mothers desperately waiting for nutrition packs for their malnourished babies. a million children are at risk of starvation. with internationalfunding cut off following the taliban takeover, afghanistan's aid—dependent economy is collapsing. life for many here has always been hard, but with food prices and unemployment rising more families than ever recorded are going hungry. we have come to the remote province of ghor, is a ten—hour drive to the nearest big city. the snow here picturesque, but there is less than usual. drought is adding to the crisis. we are visiting the province's only hospital. staff are being paid for the first time in five months after the international committee of the red cross stepped in. but most patients have to buy their own medicines and supplies are so low. we don't have anything. no medicines. how difficult is it for you as the doctor? we are suffering. sometimes crying. if you want to get an idea of how dysfunctional things here can be, this is a child malnutrition ward. temperatures here can drop to —10 celsius at night, even lower at times, they have only got enough wood in this heater to last a couple of hours. it's notjust hunger they are battling here. with the onset of winter, cases of severe pneumonia are on the rise. a new life born into an uncertain world. even when billions of dollars of international support were coming in, hospitals who were badly under resourced. now staff are doing what they can, but they say they need help. secunder kermani, bbc news, ghor province. the headlines on bbc news... covid passes become compulsory in england for nightclubs, big sports matches, and other large events. the ayes to the right, 369, the noes to the left, 126. but nearly 100 conservative mps voted against the government's plans — with boris johnson facing fresh questions over his authority. ministers say they had to move fast. fire has broken out in a skyscraper in hong kong, leaving dozens of people trapped on the rooftop. desperation in afghanistan — millions risk starvation this winter. we visit one hospital being stretched to the limit. the cost of living is rising at its fastest rate in ten years, as transport and energy prices continue to go up. and uk care companies supporting the elderly and disabled complain of staff shortages, amid fears that compulsary covid amid fears that compulsory covid vaccinatons for employees will only make things worse. as we've been hearing, from today you'll need a covid pass for entry into nightclubs and other large venues in england. today's changes are part of england's plan b, announced last week, which also includes more extensive use of face coverings and new guidance on working from home. so, covid passports, what exactly are they? from today in england, you'll need one for certain venues, including all nightclubs and indoor unseated events of 500 people or more — a music gig, for example. also, outdoor events of 4,000 or more — where people are likely to stand or move around — like a festival. any events of 10,000 or more — so going to a big football match, oran arena gig. to get in you need to prove that you have been fully vaccinated with two doses of an approved vaccine. or you have completed a pcr or rapid lateral flow test within the past 48 hours and have a negative result. or, if you cannot get vaccinated or tested for medical reasons, you can also apply for an exemption. that will need to be confirmed by a medical professional. the main way to do this is to generate a covid pass using the nhs app. scotland, wales and northern ireland are already using this system — via the nhs website or the nhs app. our correspondent, john maguire, has been to a nightclub to see how the new rules are being received. the christmas party season should be in full swing. but, in recent days, this pub in bristol has seen almost 80% of its bookings cancelled. constantly being stabbed in the back all the time basically by all these new rules and regulations. this few weeks, with our corporate bookings, that gets money in the pot and sees us through january and february and without that we are really going to struggle in the next few months. the late—night economy has been among the hardest hit during the pandemic, with nightclubs some of the last businesses to reopen after lockdown. similar to long—established rules in the rest of the uk, nightclubs and large venues in england now require proof of full vaccination or a negative test. ijust think it makes everyone feel a little bit safer when they are going out and makes me feel more comfortable when i am out in wales, knowing that people around me have had their vaccinations. i'm not, like, fully vaccinated, so it would probably affect me. but i think it will encourage, you know, people that haven't been fully vaccinated to get fully vaccinated. obviously, cases are going up at the moment and i just think anything we can do to try and stay safe and everyone else safe is important, so... when the loco club finally reopened its doors, in common with many nightclubs in bristol, it introduced its own restrictions to protect both customers and staff. we had big discussions as to whether we should impose our own regulations from the start and decided that we would, but to make it as inclusive as we could. the government guidance has been so confused that we decided to make our own decision on it, depending on what we thought was best for the venue. this industry argues it has worked hard to keep people safe and once again many will need government financial support to survive. we've got the vat relief extended until april 2022, where it's at 12.5%, at which point it goes back up to 20%. we would ask that that is extended, or even dropped back down to where it was earlier in the year at 5%, and that would give some real relief to the businesses that are feeling the burden right now. for many of us, once again, rules and advice are changing. but one constant remains, wishing for a safe christmas and a prosperous new year. john maguire, bbc news, bristol. labour's pat mcfadden, shadow chief secretary to the treasury, said his party voted with the government because it was the right thing to do to protect people. what we saw last night in the house of commons was the prime minister's inability to get the necessary public health measures through the house of commons, despite having come on paper, a majority of 80 and thatis come on paper, a majority of 80 and that is testament to the loss of his authority, it is testament to the loss of trust in the prime minister from the public, first of all, because he has shown open contempt for the kind of rules he has asked the country to abide by for the past year and now from his own party and, in the face of all that, we had to ask ourselves what the role of a responsible opposition is in the circumstances and that is not to play games with this because it is about public safety, are bad people's health, but to do the right thing for the public and that is what we did last night.- thing for the public and that is what we did last night. where would ou draw what we did last night. where would you draw the — what we did last night. where would you draw the line? _ what we did last night. where would you draw the line? you _ what we did last night. where would you draw the line? you talk - what we did last night. where would you draw the line? you talk about i you draw the line? you talk about being a responsible opposition but where would you draw the line in effectively supporting the prime minister and his cabinet on measures, if more measures were required, more restrictions were required? would you draw the line there, perhaps? it's not a matter of supporting the prime minister. we understand the destruction of public trust in the prime minister, and that is down to his own conduct, the culture he fostered in number 10, this culture of impunity. it's not about him or the cabinet, what it is about is what we hear from the chief medical officer, it is about the scientific advice, it is about supporting the nhs, it is about protecting the public. and these will be the things that are always in our mind, when faced with these decisions. so, it's not about trust in the prime minister, propping him up or anything like that. it's about doing the right thing by the public. that is what drove us in last night's decisions, and that is will drive us in more we take in the coming weeks. clearly we are focusing on what people are doing over christmas, what changes they might make to their plans. what are your plans? are you changing any of those? no, i mean, i have a quiet christmas at home with my family, that is what i will do. you know, i hope everybody is able to enjoy their christmas. it's a special time of year and we want people to be able to do that. a couple more of your tweets on the issue of the covid passes. ian says living in scotland, i have had the past four months and the only time i usedit past four months and the only time i used it was for a concert in glasgow and i was nervous because the concert was jam—packed and he says that the three tests a week after the concert, no virus thankfully but other cases in the city had a new variant even though passports were used to get in. he added i don't see me losing my liberty is due to covid passports. a lot of people broadly supportive of them, saying if they have health conditions or loved ones with health conditions, they want to do anything they can to avoid them getting the virus. this one, though, from stuart mcdonald, says don't get it, if vaccines work, why are we introducing new restrictions? if vaccines don't work, why are we getting told to take them. get in touch on twitter @annitabbc or using the hashtag bbcyourquestions. 11 countries, including south africa, nigeria and zimbabwe, have been removed from the uk's travel red list. the red list was reintroduced in late november as a precaution after the emergence of the omicron variant. the bbc�*s mayenijones is in lagos and says that putting nigeria on the uk red list has affected many people in the country. it's definitely had an impact on how much trust people have. this was the first christmas in two years when nigerians felt that they were finally going to be able to either travel to the uk, but there are also lots of nigerians in the diaspora hoping to come back to nigeria and had to put those plans on hold when the country was added to the red list, so there was a lot of frustration on both sides and in both countries. i'm not sure that relations can be permanently damaged simply because, as i said before, the relations are so strong and the uk remains the most popular travel destination for most nigerians, but i certainly think it's introduced a level of uncertainty. it would have ruined christmas for a lot of people who cancelled their plans and for a lot of others who are currently in quarantine hotels and have spent the two and a bit thousand pounds. so there has been a lot of frustration, a lot of incomprehension as well because omicron cases so far haven't been very high here. the last numbers we are hearing are about 11, although the nigerian centre for disease control hasn't been releasing daily figures. all 11 countries which were on the uk government's red list have now been removed. the list was reintroduced in late november as a precaution after the emergence of the omicron variant. but health secretary sajid javid said it had spread so widely the rules no longer had much purpose. lisa francesca nand is presenter of the big travel podcast. lisa, thank you very much for your time today. are we going to see a flurry of people trying to make trips between those countries in africa and other destinations that perhaps they had cancelled and now they are thinking, let's rebook? i think, sadly, a flurry is not what we are going to be looking at, there will be people that want to go but it is the 15th of december now, most people have cancelled their plans are not made plans to go ahead already and that is what is killing the travel industry, this uncertainty, notjust for those uncertainty, not just for those redness uncertainty, notjust for those redness countries but to anywhere, thinking that at any given point, it might go on the red list and that is putting a lot of people off travelling.— putting a lot of people off travelling. putting a lot of people off travellinu. travelling. so, here in the uk, --eole travelling. so, here in the uk, peeple who — travelling. so, here in the uk, people who have _ travelling. so, here in the uk, people who have paid - travelling. so, here in the uk, l people who have paid thousands travelling. so, here in the uk, - people who have paid thousands of pounds for quarantine hotels if they wanted to return from these countries which were on the red list until the early hours of today, will they be entitled to get any or all of their money back? the health secretary has made comments about being very persuaded that they have a case. i being very persuaded that they have a case. ~' , , a case. i think it will be very difficult for _ a case. i think it will be very difficult for anyone - a case. i think it will be very difficult for anyone to - a case. i think it will be very difficult for anyone to get i a case. i think it will be very. difficult for anyone to get any money back. i mean, there is the insurance possibility with some people but again it is a very small possibility, so you can you imagine what it will be like to be in a quarantine hotel now? we have reports of people sitting in quarantine hotels in heathrow not knowing whether they can stay or go, in fact reports of people just walking out saying i will sign the papers saying i am due the £10,000 fine and fingers crossed they won't find me, but i can't imagine anyone will get any money back. this is what is so frustrating, the money aspect as well, the hotel quarantine, the spectre of that, the day two pcr test, the predeparture testis day two pcr test, the predeparture test is a big one for people because it is expensive and predeparture means before coming back to this country and who wants to test positive when they are in a foreign country? positive when they are in a foreign count ? , ., , , country? sorry to interrupt but the predeparture _ country? sorry to interrupt but the predeparture and _ country? sorry to interrupt but the predeparture and the _ country? sorry to interrupt but the predeparture and the test - country? sorry to interrupt but the predeparture and the test within i country? sorry to interrupt but the l predeparture and the test within 48 hours of travelling to the uk, those tests are still in place, aren't they? tests are still in place, aren't the ? , ., tests are still in place, aren't the? , tests are still in place, aren't the? they? they are absolutely and, ok, they? they are absolutely and, ok, the red list — they? they are absolutely and, ok, the red list has _ they? they are absolutely and, ok, the red list has been _ they? they are absolutely and, ok, the red list has been shelved i they? they are absolutely and, ok, the red list has been shelved for i the red list has been shelved for the red list has been shelved for the time being but these things are really putting people off travelling so before you come back to the uk, you had to take the predeparture test, that means leaving whatever foreign country you are in and coming back here. that is putting people off because if you test positive, you have to spend ten or 11 days in a quarantine hotel abroad and who wants to do that? and of course of the day to so—called pcr, i have mine turn up on day six before, when you get back into this country, the rule is you have to isolate until you get your negative result. again, that is putting a lot of people off so again all of this uncertainty, all of this expense, is killing the travel industry and anyone's hopes and dreams who wants to travel. ,., anyone's hopes and dreams who wants to travel. ., ., anyone's hopes and dreams who wants to travel. ., ~ , ., , anyone's hopes and dreams who wants to travel. ., ,, , ., , . to travel. lisa, thank you very much for our to travel. lisa, thank you very much for your time _ to travel. lisa, thank you very much for your time today. _ international students and skilled migrants can once again enter australia as the country's tough border policy softens slightly after more than 18 months. fully vaccinated japanese and south korean tourists are also being re—welcomed. the partial international border reopening was delayed by two weeks because of the emergence of the omicron variant. the australian prime minister, scott morrison, said it was important that the country began opening up. there has had to be a curtailment of what we can do during the course of a global pandemic. the virus doesn't respect ideology, it doesn't respect any of these things. it's just a virus, and we have to deal with it. australians get that. but, equally, they also know there has to be a plan out. there is a plan out, and we need to move forward with that plan. our australia correspondent, shaimaa khalil is in sydney and says the move has been welcomed by many sectors. businesses here in australia have really felt the absence of skilled workers here in the last two years with the ban on international travel, but, also, the international education sector. this is australia's fourth biggest earner. in 2019, it earned australia $13 billion, about $13 billion. it is right there, it is up there with coal, iron ore and gas, and, so, again, that sector has really felt the economic suffering of international students not being able to come back. so, from today, we've seen skilled workers, international students, starting to come in. not in big numbers but it is a start and, of course, tourists from japan and south korea, given, of course, that they are fully vaccinated and they have presented a negative covid—19 test three days before arrival. the government estimates about, or maybe above, actually, 200,000 people, eligible visa holders to come, about 130 of those are international students. an increasing number of care companies providing support for people who are older and/or disabled in their own homes say they are turning away new clients because of staff shortages. nearly 340 care providers in the uk responded to questions from the home care association. from the home care association. most worry the requirement for all home care staff to have covid vaccines will add to their recruitment problems. our social affairs editor, alison holt has been speaking to one family run care company. marion is three hours into what is going to be a very long day. morning, christine. she and her husband run their own home care company, but staff shortages mean both are also out providing support for people like christine. not good? no. the three visits christine gets a day provide the personal care she needs but also allow her to maintain her independence. she's previously been stuck in hospital waiting for home care and knows how miserable it can be. it's hard when you are in hospital and you are bed blocking. what they were doing for me, i can do at home, i can take my own pills, or get my pills, without them coming around me four times a dayjust to give me a pill and i was sitting there doing nothing. you have a good morning and i'll see you later. 0k, thank you. but to provide support at home takes staff. and a survey of nearly 340 care providers by the home care association found nearly all those who responded were facing real difficulties recruiting. for marion and her husband, tim, that means constantjuggling to ensure their existing clients get the support they need. effectively, i'm doing a 16—hour day and last week was like that, pretty much every day was seven till 11. it'sjust exhausting. how sustainable is that? it's not. like many other home care providers, they are turning away new clients, even though councils and the nhs are desperate for them to take on people who are ready to leave hospital. there is a high demand. we get an e—mail through every day from the council. i've got four on my e—mail at the moment that i've just noticed, but i can't take the clients and the clients on because i haven't got the staff and it's a never ending circle. to try and ease some of the immediate staffing pressures, the government has announced an extra £300 million to provide bonuses, overtime and pay rises for care staff. that money runs until march. ok, thank you, bye. alison holt, bbc news. for the first time in history, a spacecraft has flown through the outer atmosphere of the sun. nasa says the parker solar probe, which was launched in 2018, had to withstand intense heat and radiation during the mission. scientists say it will help provide a better understanding of how the sun works. i'm joined now by dr imogen whittam, an astrophycisist from the university of oxford. thank you very much for your time today and this really is quite extraordinary, isn't it? what sort of preparation had to go in to making this probe fit for purpose to withstand that heat and that radiation can bat radiation, getting so close to the sun?— radiation can bat radiation, getting so close to the sun? good morning, thanks for having _ so close to the sun? good morning, thanks for having me _ so close to the sun? good morning, thanks for having me on. _ so close to the sun? good morning, thanks for having me on. yes, i so close to the sun? good morning, thanks for having me on. yes, it i so close to the sun? good morning, thanks for having me on. yes, it is i thanks for having me on. yes, it is obviously hugely challenging to send a probe actually into the sun's atmosphere because the temperatures can reach over1 million degrees, so you have got to design a spacecraft which is not only going to withstand those temperatures but also be able to use instruments and take valuable measurements while inside and experiencing those extreme temperatures. so there are two ways that we do this. one is the probe actually only spends a very small amount of time inside the corona, it sort of dips in and out again, to minimise the time it spends in these extreme conditions. also, it is very well designed, it has a very beefy heat shield to shield it from the worst of the radiation and the heat. at those sorts of temperatures, i can imagine a very beefy heat shield would be needed! but as you say, dipping in and out and not spending very much time because of the challenges of being in that heat and all the radiation, so how much data has it been able to gather? do we have any sense of that yet? yes. has it been able to gather? do we have any sense of that yet? yes, it has been have any sense of that yet? yes, it has been able _ have any sense of that yet? yes, it has been able to _ have any sense of that yet? yes, it has been able to gather _ have any sense of that yet? yes, it has been able to gather some i have any sense of that yet? yes, it| has been able to gather some really valuable data about the magnetic field inside the corona and also the particles that are present and it is going to make several more passes inside the corona, getting progressively deeper and deeper inside the sun's atmosphere, so there is much more to come in terms of valuable data. find there is much more to come in terms of valuable data.— of valuable data. and so what will astrophysicists _ of valuable data. and so what will astrophysicists like _ of valuable data. and so what will astrophysicists like yourself i of valuable data. and so what will astrophysicists like yourself to i of valuable data. and so what will astrophysicists like yourself to do | astrophysicists like yourself to do with that data? how useful will it be? . . , with that data? how useful will it be? . ., , , with that data? how useful will it be? . . , , , be? the data will be hugely useful because it's _ be? the data will be hugely useful because it's going _ be? the data will be hugely useful because it's going to _ be? the data will be hugely useful because it's going to give - be? the data will be hugely useful because it's going to give us i be? the data will be hugely useful because it's going to give us more j because it's going to give us more information about the sun itself from inside the sun and the sun is obviously hugely vital to life here on earth, so it will help us understand more about our son, our star and also other stars and it will help us learn about things like how the solar wind is actually launched from within the sun's atmosphere, which is the, the mechanisms that drive that aren't usually understood that this is really important in understanding this and other stars. it is important _ this and other stars. it is important that _ this and other stars. it is important that a - this and other stars. it is important that a lot i this and other stars. it is important that a lot of i this and other stars. it is. important that a lot of the this and other stars. it is important that a lot of the focus this year has been on space tourism, as we have watched various rockets being launched by rather wealthy individuals, but, you know, when you look at the pure science, this is really extraordinary, isn't it, what has happened here with this probe? yes, this is hugely extraordinary. we are literally touching the sun, which is mind blowing, so it is hugely exciting to understand more about the sun and the role it plays in the solar system, but it does also have an application on our everyday world here on earth, because by learning more about the solar wind and how it is launched, we can learn how to predict solar storms, and solar storms have a big impact on us here on earth in our everyday lives, because they can affect things like satellites, they can actually knock satellites off—line and we are increasingly reliant on satellite technology and they can even affect power grids. thank you very much for talking to us about all of this, dr imogen whittam, astrophysicist from the university of oxford. a parliamentary inquiry begins today into the issue of historical forced adoptions. it's believed hundreds of thousands of young women were pressured and shamed into giving up their babies for adoption in the three decades after the second world war because they were unmarried and had become pregnant out of wedlock, which was taboo at the time. the birth mothers want the government to issue an apology for what state employees did to them. duncan kennedy reports. it is nearly 50 years since pat king was forced to give up her newborn baby. pat became pregnant aged 15 in 1973. she wasn't married and, almost immediately, a social worker arrived to confront her. i was the wicked girl and i had sinned and i needed to put this right and the way i could put this right was to help some family who really needed this baby. did she call you wicked? she did call me wicked, yes. it is thought around 400,000 unmarried women in england and wales were pressured to give up their babies for adoption in the 30 years after the second world war. even as they gave birth, some nurses treated them cruelly. you won't allowed to scream, you were told to shut up and stop making a noise and stop being silly, it was your own fault. you have got yourself into this mess — in the delivery room, a nurse or midwife is telling you to shut up screaming? yes. there was even more anguish when pat came to hand over her baby son. the social workerjust walked towards us, held out her arms, i tried to fight her to get the baby off me but that didn't work and she took the baby and that was it, just a thank you and went, that was it. today's parliamentary inquiry follows a series of reports on bbc news with dozens of the birth mothers. the government says it was society to blame for forced adoptions, but the birth mothers say that wrong. say that's wrong. it wasn't society that took my baby away, it was the state and all the employees of the state, they were all in cahoots with this practice. which was just wrong. and, therefore, the state should apologise? yes, therefore the state should apologise. pat king has never been reunited with her son. she hopes the new inquiry will help bring comfort to thousands of women like her who had their babies taken. duncan kennedy, bbc news. and, finally, think unesco—protected status and ancient monuments may come to mind. but how about this... congolese rumba — one of the most popular musical genres in africa — has just been added to the un agency's cultural heritage list. it is the culmination of campaigning by two countries, you're watching bbc news. joanna will be here with you next. before _ joanna will be here with you next. before that, a look at the weather with matt taylor. hello, the weather is set to quieten down for the rest of the week and if ijust down for the rest of the week and if i just show you the forecast by capital cities through the coming days and into the weekend, a few things to take from it. you will notice the weather symbols, plenty of cloud around, not huge amounts of sunshine. temperature sliding away into the weekend but staying above average for the time of year and not much in a way of rain. this is the rainfall forecast for the next five days, showing the bulk of the rain will be in the north and the west, producing small amounts of drizzle in the south, but largely dry because this area of high pressure will dominate, working upwards and bring in this area of high pressure chasing away these weather fronts which today will be sitting across parts of northern ireland, southern scotland, the very far north of england and outbreaks of rain or drizzle heaviest in northern ireland. northern scotland has a drier and brighter day than yesterday, breezy and feeling cooler this afternoon compared with a morning but some sunny spells across parts of north wales, north midlands and other areas of northern england and other areas of northern england and into east anglia, fairly cloudy across the far south in temperatures above average, should be around seven, but10—12 above average, should be around seven, but 10—12 for many this afternoon. this evening and overnight as high pressure builds on, notice the weather front building back northwards once again, taking damp and drizzly weather across northern and western parts of scotland. elsewhere, largely dry and southern scotland and northern england, you might see the clearest of the skies, potential for a touch of the skies, potential for a touch of frost in one or two spots and mist and fog patches. they will take a while to ship but some sunny spells possible, temperatures while they stay across the southern half of england and. some rain north of orkney and shetland but many dry and, like today, double figures for the most part. by the end of the week of the area of high pressure is right over the uk and because we have this looping jet stream which forms a mega patina, as we call it, nothing will change very quickly. the weather fairly static for the end of the week on the weekend, a bit of a breeze may be across western areas on friday breaking up the clouds, some sunny spells in scotland after a chilly and foggy start, lots of clattering the down way is in the south at the eastern temperature starting to slide. they slide further on saturday, plenty of cloud around, not a huge amount of change but because it is a thin of cloud, the hills of northern ireland and scotland could pop out into the sunshine and feel very pleasant. bye for now. this is bbc news, i'mjoanna gosling. the headlines at 11. covid passes become compulsary in england for nightclubs, big sports matches, and other large events. the ayes to the right, 369, the noes to the left, 126. but nearly 100 conservative mps voted against the government's plans, with boris johnson facing fresh questions over his authority. ministers say they had to move fast. the new measures come in as medical experts warn that the omicron variant is probabaly the biggest threat since the start of the pandemic. the real potential risk here, and i would underline that because we are still learning a lot about the variant, is in relation to its severity, clinical severity, and therefore whether those cases turn into severe disease, hospitalisations and deaths. the cost of living is rising at its fastest rate in ten years, as transport and energy prices continue to go up. research shows care providers are turning away new clients because of staff shortages, with fears compulsary covid vaccinatons for employees will make things worse. and coming up, we visit one of the eight premier league clubs in action tonight, as they prepare to be the first sporting events where fans will have to show a covid pass for entry into the stadium. good morning and welcome to bbc news. borisjohnson is facing fresh questions over his authority as prime minister, after nearly 100 of his own mps rebelled against the introduction of mandatory covid passes in england. despite the rebellion, adults in england now need proof of double—vaccination, or a negative lateral flow test to enter nightclubs, big sporting matches and other large events, such as those held indoors with a capacity of more than 500 people. mps also backed mandatory face masks in some settings, as well as compulsory vaccinations for nhs workers in england. both of these measures were also subject to smaller conservative rebellions. 99 conservative mps rebelled against borisjohnson on covid passes — by far the biggest since he took office two and a half years ago, and the measure relied on the support of labour to pass. the labour leader sir keir starmer has taken to twitter to say, "the public is safer thanks to labour putting people's health before party politics. the prime minister needs to take a long, hard look at himself and ask whether he has the authority to take this country through the pandemic". our first report this morning is from our political correspondent ben wright. the ayes to the right, 369, the noes to the left, 126. the scale of the rebellion produced gasps in the commons. the government won the vote to introduce covid passes in england for crowded events, but 99 conservative mps voted against the policy, the biggest revolt of borisjohnson's premiership. the measure only passed because of labour's support. this is a very significant blow to the already damaged authority of the prime minister. it confirms that he is too weak to discharge the basic functions of government. these public health measures would not have gone through if labour had not shown the leadership that the prime ministerfailed to show. so, from today, nhs covid passes, showing a recent negative test orfull vaccination, must be shown to get into many large venues, including nightclubs. but this was the measure that most angered conservative rebels. for them it was a step too far, and they wanted to send borisjohnson a message. this was just a bridge too far. vaccine passports today, what tomorrow, or a week down the road? so i think they were putting a marker down. and it's been proven in scotland, vaccine passports don't work, they don't prevent infection. so, i think it was a cry of pain from the conservative party. ministers warned mps the threat from the omicron variant is grave. they have predicted a surge in hospitalisations in the coming weeks, which is why these new protections have been put in place. of course it's difficult. every decision we make has costs, has consequences. everybody is weighing those up all the time, my colleagues are weighing those up all the time. but we have decided that we need to buy time. we really do need to slow down this unbelievably transmittable virus, so that we can get everybody vaccinated. vaccines remain the bedrock of the government's strategy for tackling the new variant, and accelerating the access to boosters has produced a surge in demand. england's chief medical officer, professor chris whitty, made his own plea in a video released last night. get your covid—19 booster vaccine to strengthen your protection. please get boosted now. conservative rebels want this to be the final time the prime minister asks the commons to tighten restrictions. but with covid surging, there is no guarantee. ben wright, bbc news, westminster. the transport secretary grant shapps says he's not expecting any further covid restrictions this month. we've got in place now the measures that we believe will see us through to the new year. and some of the measures which are not relevant we are removing. in fact, yesterday we removed the red list countries. there is no point in having those any more because omicron is already here. so, we always try and keep these things proportionate, and remove them as quickly as possible. one thing i can say for certain is if we did need to do anything else, parliament would be recalled in order to vote on doing that, so it wouldn'tjust be an automated thing. our political correspondent iain watson is at westminster. takeit take it away. there is so much to talk about!— talk about! let's start off with some news. _ talk about! let's start off with some news, the _ talk about! let's start off with some news, the size - talk about! let's start off with some news, the size of i talk about! let's start off with some news, the size of that l some news, the size of that rebellion we reported a 99 conservative mps, we can do a bit better and say it was 100, one vote had been not properly noted, so the number now we believe has gone up to that round figure of 100, almost a third of the parliamentary party of borisjohnson third of the parliamentary party of boris johnson voted third of the parliamentary party of borisjohnson voted against covid passesin borisjohnson voted against covid passes in england. the breadth of that rebellion astonishing, people who were on different sides of the brexit argument, those former cabinet ministers are spending their life on the backbenches, some of the new intake including the newest conservative mp libby french who won the bexley by—election. people putting down a marker about where they may stand on future restrictions but some concerned they are not getting enough reliable information or evidence from the covenant. then there is the question of boris johnson's covenant. then there is the question of borisjohnson's authority, not just with the backbenches but his authority should further restrictions be necessary. it is subsequently, as for as i am aware, and we should get keir starmer to question borisjohnson's authority and to point out that some of the restrictions would not have gone through without labour support. we heard from grant shapps saying the recall of parliament if any further restrictions were required but i am hearing this is something that the government wants to avoid at all costs if at all possible given the scale of the rebellion with one seniorfigure scale of the rebellion with one senior figure saying there may be a recall if russia were to invade ukraine, thejericka line covid restrictions is not something they want to do. so if there are further measures, we could see a situation similar to scotland by the first minister gave people guidance on not mixing more than three households at a time in the run—up to and post—christmas. we may see further advice from the government given the scale of the problem. we did talk about the scale of the rebellion and the scepticism to the evidence, on the scepticism to the evidence, on the other there is pretty scary statistics circulating in government at the moment looking at how quickly the omicron variant is reproducing and some fear that whether the nhs is or isn't overwhelmed injanuary will turn on tight margins. indeed there are hopes that current measures will work, working from home may have an impact significantly but looking at some of the government ministers, they are saying that some of their own colleagues, some of the backbenches, some of the rebels are not appreciating the speed of which omicron is moving at the scale of the problem we may be facing in a matter of weeks.— matter of weeks. let's get a more reaction to — matter of weeks. let's get a more reaction to the _ matter of weeks. let's get a more reaction to the measures - matter of weeks. let's get a more reaction to the measures that i matter of weeks. let's get a more | reaction to the measures that came through last night with mike cherry, national chair of the federation of small businesses. importantly for small businesses, the vaccine passports, what are your thoughts? clearly we welcome the passports, we welcome the masks, but most small businesses are facing a perfect nightmare before christmas, they are seeing cancellations as soon as working from home was announced in the hospitality sector and in particular —— in particular the stuff that has a damaging effect, surging costs. wejust have stuff that has a damaging effect, surging costs. we just have to look at the headline figures this morning, input prices nearly 15% up, the consumer price index over 5% up now and that means businesses cannot continue to absorb these increases. there are supply and chain disruption, increased late payments and shortages and they have to know what they comply with, so there are many issues we want the government to give clarity on as well as additional support for these small businesses that desperately need our support. businesses that desperately need our su ort. ., businesses that desperately need our su ort. . ., , ., ' support. there are lots of different issues are coming _ support. there are lots of different issues are coming to _ support. there are lots of different issues are coming to gather- issues are coming to gather currently for lots of businesses. what do you want to hear from the government?— what do you want to hear from the rovernment? . ., , , , government? there are many simple measurements _ government? there are many simple measurements the _ government? there are many simple measurements the government i government? there are many simple| measurements the government could government? there are many simple i measurements the government could do as they impose further restrictions, they need to add to the support available or bring back some of the support taken away, so for instance vat at the moment is 12.5%, which is due to go back up to 20%. they should be reduced by down to 5%. the recovery of statutory sick pay needs to come back in for the smallest businesses and business rates relief needs to go back up to 100% for those eligible for it. but let's not forget that behind the headline of retail, leisure and hospitality, the supply chain hasn't had any of the 1.5 billion it was promised back in the summer yet so a lot must be government could do, particularly around clarity on how businesses need to comply with plan b and is there going to be a plan c? and we need information that if it is even in the background so businesses can plan ahead until 2020. then we have the increases coming forward on national insurance. so a fine alaska there is to at increase the deployment allowance to £5,000 to help the very smallest businesses to overcome some of the headline front costs. ~ ., ., overcome some of the headline front costs. ~ . ., , ., ., ., costs. what are you hearing from the businesses you _ costs. what are you hearing from the businesses you represent _ costs. what are you hearing from the businesses you represent in - costs. what are you hearing from the businesses you represent in terms i costs. what are you hearing from the businesses you represent in terms ofj businesses you represent in terms of how secure or not they are feeling as we head into the new year? i think every quarter this year in our surveys we have seen confidence dropping, as i mentioned with the announcement of working from home, that i had a dramatic and immediate effect on businesses, and our city centres and that is causing real concern on top of all the cost increases that businesses have to face and the tax increases to come. you mentioned a list of things you would like the government to do. if they are not forthcoming, what do you think would be the situation for small businesses? it you think would be the situation for small businesses?— small businesses? it will be very, ve dire small businesses? it will be very, very dire for _ small businesses? it will be very, very dire for many _ small businesses? it will be very, very dire for many small- small businesses? it will be very, i very dire for many small businesses, not just very dire for many small businesses, notjust in the front line of retail and hospitality sectors who are the ones most impacted, but behind that in the supply chain and other sectors as well. because confidence is hugely important, if we had to get the economic recovery we all need to see and indeed to get investment back into growing businesses and coming out of all of this. ~ ., ., businesses and coming out of all of this. ~ . ., . ., this. we have all changed the way we 0 erate as this. we have all changed the way we operate as a — this. we have all changed the way we operate as a result _ this. we have all changed the way we operate as a result of _ this. we have all changed the way we operate as a result of covid _ this. we have all changed the way we operate as a result of covid and i this. we have all changed the way we operate as a result of covid and a i operate as a result of covid and a lot of businesses now is done online. how much of a saviour has that to be in for small businesses? a huge benefit to many small businesses, particularly at the beginning of 2020 when either they had a smile presence online or have been able to migrate some of their business until an online presence on the different platforms available. i think businesses are trying desperately hard to increase their digital footfall, desperately hard to increase their digitalfootfall, look desperately hard to increase their digital footfall, look at other platforms that may benefit them whether it is in goods, products, services, whatever they are fed to consumers and customers alike. mike cher , consumers and customers alike. mike cherry. thank— consumers and customers alike. mike cherry. thank you _ consumers and customers alike. mike cherry, thank you very much. sorry to cut him off. we have to say goodbye to viewers watching us on bbc two. hope you have a good day. a technical issue there. thank you for your time. the chief executive of the uk health security agency, has told mps that the growth rate of the new omicron variant was now doubling under two days "in most regions in the uk". drjenny harries has been giving evidence to the commons transport committee this morning. probably the most significant threat we've had since the start of the pandemic, and i'm sure, for example, the numbers that we see on data over the next few days will be quite staggering compared to the rate of growth that we've seen in cases for previous variants. the real potential risk here, and i would underline that because we are still learning a lot about the variant, is in relation to its severity, clinical severity, and therefore whether those cases turn into severe disease, hospitalisations and deaths. and we are still at too early a stage for that, in fact, the world probably is still at too early a stage to be clear. the difficulty is that the growth of this virus, so it has a doubling time, doubling days at the moment, which is shortening, ie it's doubling faster, growing faster, and in most regions in the uk it's now under two days. when it started, we were estimating about four or five. so if you think of that growth rate right across the uk, and we're starting to see it and feel it now in london particularly but yesterday, particularly around manchester, and we're very sure there are levels growing across most communities in the uk now, although there is quite a lot of regional variation still. the real risk issue is that we can see that there are so many unusual mutations on this virus that it runs the risk of invading a natural and or vaccine immunity. and we have early studies looking at immune serum from patients who've been ill and been vaccinated to see that two doses of vaccine against symptomatic infection, so we don't know yet about severe disease, but about symptomatic infection, is much reduced. we do know that the booster dose will push that right back up, but it still comes back to a level below that that we've had with the booster effect for delta, our previous wave. and so this is highly significant because the numbers of individuals who are potentially involved with this, and just a small degree of vaccine or immune evasion could have very significant impact on our health services. breaking news from laura kuenssberg, saying the government source expects there to be a cobra meeting this afternoon with the devolved administrations. the scottish, welsh and northern ireland governments. that will be happening, a busy day for the prime minister. prime minister's questions at midday and we will have coverage of that. one of the big fears over the rapid spread of the omicron variant of covid—19 is the burden it could place on the health service. emergency department staff at edinburgh's royal infirmary have repeated a plea for people to seek treatment elsewhere if they can. they invited bbc scotland's health correspondent lisa summers to see the demands they're facing. it's mid—morning, but too many patients have been here for too long. you've been here for 18 hours? 0k. a bit tired. i bet you're tired. i can only apologise... alistair gunn needed treatment for a chest infection. there are people coming in here with cuts on hands and stuff like that, they can go to doctors or go elsewhere, so that impacts the people who need it. this a&e is split in two. half the beds are taken up with patients waiting to be admitted to the main hospital, but there is no space, so patients have to wait. the longest is 20 hours waiting on an inpatient bed and a lot of the patients are being managed on the corridor because there is not, you know, we don't have the cubicles to put patients into. so for them, it's not a journey that we would like to give them and really, you know, isn't acceptable. but we've got to work with what we've got at the moment and, unfortunately, we're having to do it on a daily basis. ambulance staff bring patients in, others bring themselves. we brought her up to a&e yesterday just because she's got an infection in her finger and it's starting to track up her arm. unfortunately, had come back today because the waiting time yesterday was up to seven hours. staff say they're working as hard as they can... ..but they say they need more help from the public. we're now seeing three times as many patients as the space that we're - working in is designed to see. so unless it's life or limb - threatening, we would ask people to contact nhs 24 by using 111 i or using the nhs inform website to find the best place i for them to access care. and that may well be - in the emergency department, but it might be later in the day or earlier in the day _ so that we can spread - the workload across the period. an expected wave of covid cases would hit hospitals in a few weeks' time. but with things ever more stretched and beds ever harder to find, it could have consequences for everyone who needs the nhs. breaking news on the logistics of quarantining in hotel, the senior responsible officer in charge at the uk health security agency expects people can be released from quarantine hotels today once logistics like travel are sorted. he said the standard practice if you start, you complete hotel quarantine has changed because of the development of the fast—moving omicron variant is that we want to release people early and we are starting arrangements as quickly as possible. he said officials don't want to be releasing covid or omicron positive guests immediately and they should remain in the hotels. data released by the office for national statistics this morning shows the cost of living has risen at its fastest rate for ten years, with inflation standing at 5.1% in the year to november. the rate of inflation, as measured by the consumer prices index, was substantially higher than analysts had been expecting, up from 4.2% the previous month. the rise was partly driven by sharp increases in the cost of petrol and clothing. our business correspondent ramzan karmali joins me now. it is obviously a very high rate of inflation, how does it break down? you talk about fuel and energy, petrol has hit its highest ever level atjust below petrol has hit its highest ever level at just below £1.46 petrol has hit its highest ever level atjust below £1.46 a litre but it is notjust food and energy, inflation, the rise of it seems to be a lot broader, things like clothing, food, second—hand cars, a big shortage in... share clothing, food, second-hand cars, a big shortage in. . .— big shortage in... are something like 27%? it _ big shortage in... are something like 27%? it is _ big shortage in... are something like 27%? it is crazy. _ big shortage in... are something like 27%? it is crazy. your i like 27%? it is crazy. your second-hand _ like 27%? it is crazy. your second-hand car- like 27%? it is crazy. your second-hand car is i like 27%? it is crazy. your second-hand car is an i like 27%? it is crazy. your - second-hand car is an appreciating second—hand car is an appreciating asset, it is hard to fathom that. this is worrying, more land above the bank of england's taggart, the imf says inflation could hit 5.5% and has won the bank needs to act, they cannot be inactive on this. wages are going up, the last set of wages went up by 4.3% so effectively we are worse off even though our wages are going up by a pretty healthy amount, it is not keeping up with prices. 50 healthy amount, it is not keeping up with rices. ., healthy amount, it is not keeping up with rices. . ,, with prices. so what will the bank do? this is _ with prices. so what will the bank do? this is the _ with prices. so what will the bank do? this is the tricky _ with prices. so what will the bank do? this is the tricky situation, i do? this is the tricky situation, normally they _ do? this is the tricky situation, normally they would _ do? this is the tricky situation, normally they would say i do? this is the tricky situation, normally they would say this i do? this is the tricky situation, normally they would say this is| do? this is the tricky situation, l normally they would say this is a slam dunk, no problem, rates go up, it is obvious, but because of the omicron are varied and what happened last month when they said we want to wait and see what the effect of furlough wear and i didn't put up the rates when they expected them to, most people are not expecting rates to go up tomorrow, when the bank of england need to decide, so they are in a tricky situation but they are in a tricky situation but they have to watch it. also the retail price index, which the ons don't classify as an official statistic any more, what a lot of our things we pay for are based on, like the student loans, mobile phone bills, that rose to 7.1%, the highest in 30 years and could have a massive squeeze on living standards. thank you. a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and arson following a fatal fire in reading that has left one person dead and several others unaccounted for. thames valley police say the large fire at a property in grovelands road was not being treated as a terrorist incident. the 31—year—old man remains in custody. people have been told to avoid the area, with several road closures in place. fire fighters in hong kong have extinguished a fire that had trapped more than 100 people on the roof of a skyscaper. evacuations are taking place for those who've been stranded on the rooftop. flames broke out in a utility room on a lower level of the world trade center before spreading to bamboo scaffolding on the building. 13 people have been taken to hospital for treatment. a campaigner has lost a supreme court challenge against the government over its policy of not allowing gender—neutral passports. christie elan—cane brought a case to the uk's highest court in the latest round of a legal battle for "x" passports. however, the supreme court unanimously dismissed the appeal. a woman who killed her girlfriend's16—month—old child will be sentenced today. star hobson endured months of assaults and psychological harm at the hands of 28—year—old savannah brockhill, who was yesterday convicted of murder. star's mother, frankie smith, was found guilty of causing or allowing her death. bradford council will publish a review into star's death injanuary. more now on the situation facing borisjohnson — and his authority as prime minister and conservative party leader — after 100 of his own mps rebelled against the introduction of mandatory covid passes in england. with me is giles kenningham, founder of trafalgar strategy and former conservative party press chief. also i'm joined by tim montgomerie, founder and former editor of the conservativehome blog. welcome, both of you. thank you for joining us. i want to know how each of you would describe a boris johnson's position this morning, starting with you, tim. genuinely gobsmacked. _ starting with you, tim. genuinely gobsmacked, flabbergasted i starting with you, tim. genuinely gobsmacked, flabbergasted by i starting with you, tim. genuinely. gobsmacked, flabbergasted by the scale of the rebellion last night. i think it sends out two big messages to the prime minister, one being if given a free vote, parliamentary party very sceptical about further lockdown measures, but also that the prime minister's word, he gathered the mile at a special meeting yesterday to yesterday to try to persuade them to back him and the fact that nearly 100 did and shows his authority now in the conservative party is very weak and it makes it hard for him to introduce any more lockdown measures orany introduce any more lockdown measures or any controversial legislation lessee begins to recover his authority. lessee begins to recover his authority-— lessee begins to recover his authori . , , ., i] authority. giles, your thoughts? i think he is— authority. giles, your thoughts? i think he is right, _ authority. giles, your thoughts? i think he is right, the _ authority. giles, your thoughts? i think he is right, the scale - authority. giles, your thoughts? i think he is right, the scale of i authority. giles, your thoughts? i think he is right, the scale of the | think he is right, the scale of the rebellion — think he is right, the scale of the rebellion and the bright for so many different— rebellion and the bright for so many different wings of the party that should — different wings of the party that should be worrying. if i was a betting — should be worrying. if i was a betting man, i stillthink should be worrying. if i was a betting man, i still think he is safe — betting man, i still think he is safe i— betting man, i still think he is safe. i don't think this will affect _ safe. i don't think this will affect... there is no real anointed leador— affect... there is no real anointed leader in— affect... there is no real anointed leader in waiting a bit like when boris _ leader in waiting a bit like when boris was — leader in waiting a bit like when boris was changeling cameron. i think_ boris was changeling cameron. i think if— boris was changeling cameron. i think if he — boris was changeling cameron. i think if he wins tomorrow in the shropshire _ think if he wins tomorrow in the shropshire by—election, never mind how thin _ shropshire by—election, never mind how thin the win is, it is a win and itwill_ how thin the win is, it is a win and iiwillgive— how thin the win is, it is a win and it will give them breathing space was a _ it will give them breathing space was a baby loses, it could be one of the points— was a baby loses, it could be one of the points where everything gets magnified and blown up more and more _ magnified and blown up more and more but— magnified and blown up more and more but i— magnified and blown up more and more. but i think at the moment he has lots _ more. but i think at the moment he has lots of— more. but i think at the moment he has lots of political capital. 30, has lots of political capital. so, giles thinks — has lots of political capital. so, giles thinks he _ has lots of political capital. so, giles thinks he is _ has lots of political capital. if, giles thinks he is safer has lots of political capital. 55, giles thinks he is safer now. what do you think? you have two guests agreeing too much now. him surviving on current terms _ agreeing too much now. him surviving on current terms is _ agreeing too much now. him surviving on current terms is the _ agreeing too much now. him surviving on current terms is the worst - agreeing too much now. him surviving on current terms is the worst of i agreeing too much now. him surviving on current terms is the worst of all i on current terms is the worst of all worlds, you have an injured limping prime minister who isn't able to govern effectively and you are not getting the... yes, they might win the next election still, which giles and i as conservative supporters would want, but we are wasting this parliament. we have a majority of 80, it is not often the conservative party have the opportunity to do as margaret thatcher or other great conservative leaders have done and change the country. it is the general waste of the mandate that was won almost two years ago that upsets me because the conservative party shouldn't be a vehicle for winning office, we should be a vehicle for improving the lot of the british people and whether it is taxes or improving the schools, there is plenty are farming conservative government should be doing that because potentially the relationship between the prime minister and his party has broken down, we are getting —— not getting those kind of reforms and that is my greatest regret. find those kind of reforms and that is my greatest regret-— greatest regret. and all of life inflected? _ greatest regret. and all of life inflected? -- _ greatest regret. and all of life inflected? -- self-inflicted? l greatest regret. and all of life inflected? -- self-inflicted? i| inflected? —— self—inflicted? i think so, i think borisjohnson, his strengths, he is very popular, electoral winner and that is how we got the victory two years ago, but he isn't the greatest person in terms of paying attention to detail, he needed to surround himself with a aood he needed to surround himself with a good team. — he needed to surround himself with a good team. the _ he needed to surround himself with a good team, the kind _ he needed to surround himself with a good team, the kind of _ he needed to surround himself with a good team, the kind of team - he needed to surround himself with a. good team, the kind of team he had when he was the mayor of london, building at city hall. i think the victory two years ago went to his head and i think he thought he could do almost anything. he hasn't built that downing street operation that his personality and temperament needs. , , . , , needs. yes, self-inflicted. giles, how do you _ needs. yes, self-inflicted. giles, how do you see _ needs. yes, self-inflicted. giles, how do you see things _ needs. yes, self-inflicted. giles, how do you see things panning i needs. yes, self-inflicted. giles, i how do you see things panning out? he was saying his greatest asset is there is no one standing by ready to take over. i there is no one standing by ready to take over. ., , there is no one standing by ready to take over. ~' , ., take over. i think they have suffered — take over. i think they have suffered from _ take over. i think they have suffered from having i take over. i think they have suffered from having a i take over. i think they have suffered from having a lack| take over. i think they have i suffered from having a lack of opposition and good opposition would have kept— opposition and good opposition would have kept the government on its toes, _ have kept the government on its toes, more — have kept the government on its toes, more insidious in building bridges — toes, more insidious in building bridges with the backbenchers. i don't _ bridges with the backbenchers. i don't think all is lost, he has got the levelling up thinking, he needs more _ the levelling up thinking, he needs more definition and more show and tell about _ more definition and more show and tell about this but i still think looking — tell about this but i still think looking at the labour party, having their own _ looking at the labour party, having their own existential crisis, they don't _ their own existential crisis, they don't know— their own existential crisis, they don't know what they stand for, keir stanner— don't know what they stand for, keir starmer has — don't know what they stand for, keir starmer has not got a big thing, his conference — starmer has not got a big thing, his conference speech was a shopping list of— conference speech was a shopping list of different things, wanting a stronger— list of different things, wanting a stronger future together, but there is no point — stronger future together, but there is no point of differentiation or definition. he is going to have to hope _ definition. he is going to have to hope he — definition. he is going to have to hope he wins the shropshire by—election and come out with a strong _ by—election and come out with a strong start in the new year and really— strong start in the new year and really carve out a distinct domestic agenda _ really carve out a distinct domestic agenda he — really carve out a distinct domestic agenda. he has got this majority and he needs— agenda. he has got this majority and he needs to — agenda. he has got this majority and he needs to use it to push through radical— he needs to use it to push through radical reform. i still think if there — radical reform. ! still think if there was— radical reform. i still think if there was an election tomorrow, he would _ there was an election tomorrow, he would win, — there was an election tomorrow, he would win, i— there was an election tomorrow, he would win, i wonder if they may go for an— would win, i wonder if they may go for an early— would win, i wonder if they may go for an early election, depending if they think— for an early election, depending if they think things are progressively going _ they think things are progressively going to _ they think things are progressively going to get worse. lots of challenges, notwithstanding the whole _ challenges, notwithstanding the whole cost of living crisis that will be — whole cost of living crisis that will be hitting people at the moment. , ., will be hitting people at the moment-— will be hitting people at the moment. , ., ., ., ,, ., moment. there is a to talk about, there is moment. there is a to talk about, there is out _ moment. there is a to talk about, there is out of— moment. there is a to talk about, there is out of time. _ moment. there is a to talk about, there is out of time. the - moment. there is a to talk about, there is out of time. the polls i moment. there is a to talk about, there is out of time. the polls are j there is out of time. the polls are indicating differently, we will talk again and after the by—election tomorrow. thank you very much. the cornish comedianjethro has died at the age of 73 after contracting covid—19. he made his national television debut in 1990 on the des o'connor show and announced his retirement earlier this year. he was known for his observational comedy and irreverent take on cornish life. now it's time for a look at the weather with matt taylor. dry conditions dominating for most of the rest of this week, but at the moment some splashes of rain still around, with a front line across southern scotland and the very of england and into parts of northern ireland. some are breaks of rain and drizzle. to the north, more sunshine than yesterday, and to the south of it across other parts of northern inwood, north midlands, north wales, east anglia, some sunny spells. further south, winslet, plenty of cloud, some drizzle around the coast and hills, but like elsewhere, a mild one. through tonight and the rest of the week, building in from the south, whether northwards again over the rest of the net, so some damp and drizzly weather across the north and west of scotland in particular. most places dry, some clueless grows in northern england and northern ireland, some sunshine and northern ireland, some sunshine and mist and fog tomorrow. rain and drizzle in the north becoming confined to the islands of scotland. another mild day, too. hello, this is bbc news. the headlines — covid passes become compulsary in england for nightclubs, big sports matches, and other large events. the ayes to the right, 369, the noes to the left, 126. but nearly 100 conservative mps voted against the government's plans, with boris johnson facing fresh questions over his authority. ministers say they had to move fast. the new measures come in as medical experts warn that the omicron variant is probabaly the biggest threat since the start of the pandemic. the cost of living is rising at its fastest rate in ten years, as transport and energy prices continue to go up. research shows care providers are turning away new clients because of staff shortages — with fears compulsary covid vaccinatons for employees will make things worse. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here's gavin. england mean business — broad and anderson back in the squad as they look to level the ashes against australia. murk wood is rested with jack leach included, but does the recall place more expectation on anderson? you alwa s feel more expectation on anderson? gm. always feel expectation because of various things, really, but for me really i have just been, since various things, really, but for me really i havejust been, since i various things, really, but for me really i have just been, since i was playing at brisbane, i've just been working hard with people trying to figure out what works, what doesn't at certain times of the day, whatever else, just to try and get an edge on this week. but for me, i willjust be propelling the same as i would for a red ball game. willjust be propelling the same as iwould for a red ball game. it willjust be propelling the same as i would for a red ball game. it is still a test match at the end of the day, got to work really hard as a bowler, as a bowling unit, isjust preparing for some hard work. footballer sergio aguero has confirmed his retirement. the former manchester city and argentina strikerjoined barcelona in the summer but only made five appearances. he suffered chest pains and breathing difficulties in his last game and has now decided to call it a day after scoring 427 goals in 786 games. aguero's former manager at manchester city, pep guardiola, says his side are playing their best football of his time at the club. he was speaking after they ran riot last night — hammering leeds united 7—0 at the etihad. £100 million signing jack grealish hadn't scored in the league since august, but that drought came to an end in the first half. kevin de bruyne was also back to his brilliant best, this thunderbolt his second of the evening as city ran riot. they're now four points clear at the top of the table. i would so the last two months is the best— i would so the last two months is the best football we have played since _ the best football we have played since i_ the best football we have played since i was here. in terms of consistency, it is always one day, another— consistency, it is always one day, another one, another one. we are solid _ another one, another one. we are solid and — another one, another one. we are solid and behind, we create chances, solid and behind, we create chances, so the _ solid and behind, we create chances, so the team — solid and behind, we create chances, so the team is performing really welt _ there are four premier league matches tonight and these will be the first big sporting events where spectators will need to show a covid pass or negative lateral flow test for entry into the stadium. fans are also being asked to complete a covid status declaration before attending, and shuld not go to the games if they are feeling unwell meanwhile newcastle manager eddie howe says covid protocols could even impact on transfer business they look to do injanuary. the club is thought to have lots to spend following their recent saudi—backed takeover, but whether a player is vaccinated or not may well influence the club's decision to sign them. certainly something we will be considering, i think the vaccination status is something we take very seriously, we have been in regular dialogue with all of our players, educating them and making sure that we are in tune with everybody else and following the same guidelines. golden state warriors star steph curry became the nba's all time three—point scorer, when he overtook ray allen's previous mark of 2973. the 33—year—old surpassed the mark in the opening quarter against the new york knicks at madison square garden — and it all came to a standstill as the two—time league mvp, was immediately embraced by his dad, coaches and allen, whose record stood for 10 years it was a pretty special moment. some of my— it was a pretty special moment. some of my team—mates going crazy, felt the buzz— of my team—mates going crazy, felt the buzz of— of my team—mates going crazy, felt the buzz of the whole arena, so it was speciat — england will play the all blacks at twickenham as part of next year's autumn international series. it will be the first time the sides have met since the 2019 world cup semi—final, and therfirst time at twickenham since 2018. england will also play world champions south africa, argentina, and japan that's all the sport for now. you can find more on all those stories on the bbc sport website, including news of a covid outbreak in the saracens camp, which means they're having to forfeit their challenge cup match this weekend. that's bbc.co.uk/sport. more now on that conservative rebellion — which saw 100 tory mps vote against the introduction of manadtory covid passes in england. let's speak to one of the rebels — the conservative backbencher peter bone. welcome. do you see this as a vote of confidence in the prime minister? the truth of the matter is that people voted on at this one thing, the covid passport, people very much against that, i am against it, it doesn't work, it infringes our civil liberties, and equates to identity cards and showing your papers. but as for the prime minister, i think the vast majority of conservative mps including myself are absolutely behind him, ijust think on one particular policy he has got it wrong, and i am sure we vote yesterday will make him think on that issue. ., ., , ., , ., , that issue. how do you see has authority? _ that issue. how do you see has authority? because _ that issue. how do you see has authority? because it - that issue. how do you see has authority? because it is - that issue. how do you see has authority? because it is not i that issue. how do you see has| authority? because it is notjust what has been going on in parliament, it is what has been happening in terms of parties in downing street last year, what happened with wallpaper in the flat that he lives in, and the way that that he lives in, and the way that thatis that he lives in, and the way that that is all playing for the public as well. ~ ., , that is all playing for the public as well. ~ . , as well. well, an interesting point, ou sa as well. well, an interesting point, you say the — as well. well, an interesting point, you say the public. _ as well. well, an interesting point, you say the public. i _ as well. well, an interesting point, you say the public. i was _ as well. well, an interesting point, you say the public. i was out i as well. well, an interesting point, you say the public. i was out in i as well. well, an interesting point, you say the public. i was out in my| you say the public. i was out in my constituency on sunday buying a christmas tree. somebody bowled over to me, you constituent, i didn't know him, and said to me, you are not sven, are you, you are a member of parliament? i said yes, i'm your member of parliament. he said, i wanted to say something to boris johnson when you next see him. i want you to tell him he is doing a greatjob, and that he should have a very christmas and our thanks, which i think is when the vast majority of my constituents... —— it merry christmas. my constituents. .. -- it merry christmas— christmas. sorry, that is one erson, christmas. sorry, that is one person. and _ christmas. sorry, that is one person, and when _ christmas. sorry, that is one person, and when you i christmas. sorry, that is one person, and when you look i christmas. sorry, that is one | person, and when you look at christmas. sorry, that is one i person, and when you look at the polling, with the party is ahead of the tories right now. and there a by election coming up imminently, and some are suggesting it could just be a matter of hundreds of votes in terms of the outcome, where previously the tory majority, or is it currently stands, is 22,000 odd. yeah, i want to north shropshire, actually, campaigning, the vast majority of people there were more interested in getting their christmas shopping than a by—election in the middle of december. i would by—election in the middle of december. iwould be by—election in the middle of december. i would be very surprised if many people go and vote, the outcome as you like this they might be by a few hundred votes due to the lack of people going.— lack of people going. sorry, use and ou don't lack of people going. sorry, use and you don't think _ lack of people going. sorry, use and you don't think the _ lack of people going. sorry, use and you don't think the public _ lack of people going. sorry, use and you don't think the public care i you don't think the public care about what is going on in terms of the parties and what happened with wallpaper and what was said to the commissioner on parliamentary standards?— commissioner on parliamentary standards? ~ , ., standards? well, we will see, would be come what _ standards? well, we will see, would be come what if _ standards? well, we will see, would be come what if there _ standards? well, we will see, would be come what if there is _ standards? well, we will see, would be come what if there is a _ standards? well, we will see, would be come what if there is a large i be come what if there is a large turnout and people vote, but ijust don't think that'll be the case, that was not my experience when i went to north shropshire. ih that was not my experience when i went to north shropshire.- went to north shropshire. in terms of how much _ went to north shropshire. in terms of how much boris _ went to north shropshire. in terms of how much boris johnson - went to north shropshire. in terms of how much boris johnson can i went to north shropshire. in terms i of how much boris johnson can count of how much borisjohnson can count on your support or if there are more votes on covid restrictions, what would you say to him? first votes on covid restrictions, what would you say to him?— votes on covid restrictions, what would you say to him? first of all i would you say to him? first of all i would say to _ would you say to him? first of all i would say to him, _ would you say to him? first of all i would say to him, prime _ would you say to him? first of all i would say to him, prime minister, | would say to him, prime minister, you must bring your proposals to parliament first. so that we can debate them, scrutinise you, and then vote on them. and actually, i think parliament should be sitting next week, i think we should be sitting next week, and if things are going well, we can have a statement on the prime minister can tell us everything is going ok in parliament and christmas will be fine. if there is need for more restrictions, he can suggest those, and we can debate them and vote on them. i think the authority of having parliament behind what the prime minister does is very important, so i would then listen to what has being proposed, and if they are, if the case is made for them, and if they are, if the case is made forthem, i and if they are, if the case is made for them, i will vote for them. if the case isn't made for them, i will vote against them.— the case isn't made for them, i will vote against them. peter bone, thank ou ve vote against them. peter bone, thank you very much — vote against them. peter bone, thank you very much for _ vote against them. peter bone, thank you very much forjoining _ vote against them. peter bone, thank you very much forjoining us. - vote against them. peter bone, thank you very much forjoining us. i - vote against them. peter bone, thank you very much forjoining us. i know. you very much forjoining us. i know you very much forjoining us. i know you are dashing off for prime minister's questions, we will have live coverage of that at midday. three premier league matches tonight will be the first big sporting events where fans will need to declare a covid pass or negative lateral flow for entry into the stadium. it's part of the government's plan b to combat the spread of the omicron variant of covid—19. alex howell has been to crystal palace to see their preparations. this is what football would like last season as the impact of covid at sport. and these are the scenes as fans turned up in their thousands to support their clubs last night. however, those fans attending matches this evening will have a slightly different experience. they will need to show a covid pass to get into into a stadium with over 10,000 people. at crystal palace, preparation for the new measures is well under way. preparation for the new measures is well under way-— well under way. something we are well under way. something we are well prepared _ well under way. something we are well prepared for, _ well under way. something we are well prepared for, we _ well under way. something we are well prepared for, we have - well under way. something we are well prepared for, we have had i well under way. something we are i well prepared for, we have had great support from other clubs, as you are aware of the copse of impairment of this and tried it at various games. for example, we have done the same, we have done soft checks and supporters, supporters have been very receptive of that. so supporters, supporters have been very receptive of that. 50 i supporters, supporters have been very receptive of that.— very receptive of that. so i think we are ready- — very receptive of that. so i think we are ready. tonight, - very receptive of that. so i think we are ready. tonight, fans i very receptive of that. so i think we are ready. tonight, fans are | we are ready. tonight, fans are being asked to arrive early to allow extra time for checks on the turnstiles, but according to fans, it is well worth the extra time if it is well worth the extra time if it means they can get in here to watch their team play. it is it means they can get in here to watch their team play.— watch their team play. it is very worrying. _ watch their team play. it is very worrying, because _ watch their team play. it is very worrying, because for— watch their team play. it is very worrying, because for football. watch their team play. it is very i worrying, because for football fans are go— worrying, because for football fans are go every week, it is a massive part of— are go every week, it is a massive part of their— are go every week, it is a massive part of their life, and that year of not being — part of their life, and that year of not being able to go it wasjust horrible, — not being able to go it wasjust horrible, i_ not being able to go it wasjust horrible, i cannot get the same connection— horrible, i cannot get the same connection watching games on tv, so i am connection watching games on tv, so i am really— connection watching games on tv, so i am really hoping that we can find a way— i am really hoping that we can find a way to— i am really hoping that we can find a way to still be able to come to games— a way to still be able to come to games safely. it a way to still be able to come to games safely-— a way to still be able to come to games safely. it is probably a good idea for fans _ games safely. it is probably a good idea for fans to _ games safely. it is probably a good idea for fans to arrive _ games safely. it is probably a good idea for fans to arrive at _ games safely. it is probably a good idea for fans to arrive at the i idea for fans to arrive at the ground a bit earlier than they might otherwise do in order to make sure that they can get in, because i would imagine that there might be some queues at some grounds. but we certainly accept that if it has to be done, it has to be done, it is certainly a lot better than the alternative of games behind closed doors. to alternative of games behind closed doors. ., ~' , alternative of games behind closed doors. ., ~ , ,., �*, alternative of games behind closed doors. �*, . ,, doors. to keep grant's full, clubs will rely on _ doors. to keep grant's full, clubs will rely on fans _ doors. to keep grant's full, clubs will rely on fans to _ doors. to keep grant's full, clubs will rely on fans to follow - doors. to keep grant's full, clubs will rely on fans to follow the i will rely on fans to follow the covid pass rules, and deposit of cases inside football clubs to remain low. the premier league has said they will increase the number of tests test players and staff will do each week. these are the measures that will have to be followed to not only keep grounds open but also at full capacity. an increasing number of care companies providing support for people who are older and disabled in their own homes say they are turning away new clients because of staff shortages. nearly 340 care providers in the uk responded to questions from the homecare association. most worry the requirement for all home care staff to have covid vaccines will add to their recruitment problems. our social affairs editor, alison holt has been speaking to one family run care company. marion is three hours into what is going to be a very long day. morning, christine. she and her husband run their own home care company, but staff shortages mean both are also out providing support for people like christine. not good? no. the three visits christine gets a day provide the personal care she needs but also allow her to maintain her independence. she's previously been stuck in hospital waiting for home care and knows how miserable it can be. it's hard when you are in hospital and you are bed blocking. what they were doing for me, i can do at home, i can take my own pills, or get my pills, without them coming round me four times a dayjust to give me a pill and i was sitting there doing nothing. you have a good morning and i'll see you later. 0k, thank you. but to provide support at home takes staff. and a survey of nearly 340 care providers by the home care association found nearly all those who responded were facing real difficulties recruiting. for marion and her husband, tim, that means constantjuggling to ensure their existing clients get the support they need. effectively, i'm doing a 16—hour day and last week was like that, pretty much every day was 7 till 11. it'sjust exhausting. how sustainable is that? it's not. like many other home care providers, they are turning away new clients, even though councils and the nhs are desperate for them to take on people who are ready to leave hospital. there is a high demand. we get an e—mail through every day from the council. i've got four on my e—mail at the moment that ijust noticed, but i can't take the clients on because i haven't got the staff and it's a never ending circle. to try and ease some of the immediate staffing pressures, the government has announced an extra £300 million to provide bonuses, overtime and pay rises for care staff. that money runs until march. ok, thank you, bye. alison holt, bbc news. some pictures of sir lewis hamilton, he hasjust been some pictures of sir lewis hamilton, he has just been mated at windsor castle, and there he is after the ceremony with his mum. it was noted by prince charles for services to motorsport, and of course it comes just days after he lost out on a record eighth formula 1 world title in controversial circumstances. so he has been at his investiture at windsor castle. we don't have pictures at the moment of the investiture itself, but we will bring them to you, this is him with his mum outsidejust after having formally received that knighthood from prince charles. 11 countries including south africa, nigeria and zimbabwe have been removed from the uk's travel red list this morning. the red list was reintroduced in late november as a precaution after the emergence of the omicron variant. but health secretary sajid javid said it had spread so widely, the rules no longer had much purpose. the uk health security agency says it expects people to be released from quarantine hotels today, once "logistics like travel" are sorted. let's talk to one couple who have been living in a quarantine hotel in east london for the past nine days. emily mennie and owen hancock believe they are being forced to "pay for their own imprisonment". they were caught up in the overnight changes to travel from south africa, and are hoping for an update on their situation shortly. thank you forjoining us. are you technically free to leave? ida. thank you forjoining us. are you technically free to leave? no. we would love _ technically free to leave? no. we would love to _ technically free to leave? no. we would love to just _ technically free to leave? no. we would love to just go _ technically free to leave? no. we would love to just go and - technically free to leave? no. we would love to just go and make i technically free to leave? no. we i would love to just go and make our own travel arrangements and get out of here and finally go home, but we have spoken to security and to hotel staff, and they say if we would now, then we are liable for a £10,000 fine. ., . ., ., i. then we are liable for a £10,000 fine. ., . ., ., ., ,, fine. oh, wow. who are you talking to? what were _ fine. oh, wow. who are you talking to? what were you _ fine. oh, wow. who are you talking to? what were you able _ fine. oh, wow. who are you talking to? what were you able to - fine. oh, wow. who are you talking to? what were you able to find i fine. oh, wow. who are you talking to? what were you able to find out| to? what were you able to find out about when you will actually be able to go? we about when you will actually be able to no? ~ ~, about when you will actually be able to .o? a a, a, about when you will actually be able to no? ~ a, a, a, a, a, a, to go? we have had no information a art from to go? we have had no information apart from a _ to go? we have had no information apart from a letter _ to go? we have had no information apart from a letter that _ to go? we have had no information apart from a letter that was - apart from a letter that was delivered last night, saying that we have to _ delivered last night, saying that we have to remain in hotel quarantine, and then_ have to remain in hotel quarantine, and then we — have to remain in hotel quarantine, and then we will find out more around — and then we will find out more around lunchtime today. i think we 'ust around lunchtime today. i think we just think_ around lunchtime today. i think we just think it — around lunchtime today. i think we just think it is really unfair of the government to a kind of play with our— the government to a kind of play with our lives like this. we followed _ with our lives like this. we followed the rules, stuck in hotel quarantine, we have tested negative and we _ quarantine, we have tested negative and we are _ quarantine, we have tested negative and we are still not being allowed to leave — and we are still not being allowed to leave i— and we are still not being allowed to leave. ., ., , ., and we are still not being allowed to leave. ., ., i. _ i. to leave. i mention that you say you feel like you're _ to leave. i mention that you say you feel like you're paying _ to leave. i mention that you say you feel like you're paying for— feel like you're paying for your imprisonment. tell us how you've been feeling, what it has been like. it is not easy being a couple living in one room for nine days, taking meetings from the bath and toilet and things like that. we have started a petition which has got nearly 60,000 signatures, so there is a busy a sentiment that agrees with us that says the government should be funding this imprisonment rather than it having to come off our own credit cards. find rather than it having to come off our own credit cards.— our own credit cards. and you mentioned — our own credit cards. and you mentioned working _ our own credit cards. and you mentioned working sitting - our own credit cards. and you mentioned working sitting on| our own credit cards. and you . mentioned working sitting on the loo, basically, tell us, are you both working from that hotel room, then? , ., ,., ., “ both working from that hotel room, then? , ., ,., ., ~ ., then? yes, we are both working from then? yes, we are both working from the hotel room. _ then? yes, we are both working from the hotel room, so _ then? yes, we are both working from the hotel room, so we _ then? yes, we are both working from the hotel room, so we are _ then? yes, we are both working from the hotel room, so we are taking - the hotel room, so we are taking turns— the hotel room, so we are taking turns to — the hotel room, so we are taking turns to take our meetings from the bathroom, — turns to take our meetings from the bathroom, which again, not very professional, and you can kind of hear— professional, and you can kind of hear each — professional, and you can kind of hear each other, so it has been really challenging, we thank our employers for being so understanding through— employers for being so understanding through this time, but we just feel the government have totally disrespected us for following all the rules— disrespected us for following all the rules that they are not able to follow _ the rules that they are not able to follow themselves. so the rules that they are not able to follow themselves.— follow themselves. so you are referrin: follow themselves. so you are referring there _ follow themselves. so you are referring there to _ follow themselves. so you are referring there to what - follow themselves. so you are referring there to what you - follow themselves. so you are l referring there to what you have seenin referring there to what you have seen in terms of the coverage of the parties at downing street? is that your meaning?— parties at downing street? is that our meanin: ? , .,. , ., your meaning? yes, exactly, we have not a your meaning? yes, exactly, we have got a double — your meaning? yes, exactly, we have got a double vaccinated, _ your meaning? yes, exactly, we have got a double vaccinated, we - your meaning? yes, exactly, we have got a double vaccinated, we went - your meaning? yes, exactly, we have got a double vaccinated, we went to i got a double vaccinated, we went to south _ got a double vaccinated, we went to south africa when it was on the green _ south africa when it was on the green list. _ south africa when it was on the green list, we have tested negative, yet we _ green list, we have tested negative, yet we are _ green list, we have tested negative, yet we are still imprisoned, paying £4000 _ yet we are still imprisoned, paying £4000 when the government are around having _ £4000 when the government are around having christmas parties, whichjust seems _ having christmas parties, whichjust seems utterly disrespectful to everyone that has followed the rules — everyone that has followed the rules. ~ , ., ., ,, everyone that has followed the rules. ~ ., ,, ., ., ., rules. when you talk about following the rules, there _ rules. when you talk about following the rules, there is _ rules. when you talk about following the rules, there is obviously - the rules, there is obviously subject to change with the changing situation, and that is basically what you got caught up in? absolutely, that is one of the things that is unusual about situation that we were called up in, is that they list changes have nobly been made with some notice, even taking southern african countries of the red list had a little bit of notice within it, whereas these rules were just made overnight, so there's no way that he could have got home without having to go into hotel quarantine.— got home without having to go into hotel quarantine. thank you both for 'oinin: us, hotel quarantine. thank you both for joining us. emily _ hotel quarantine. thank you both for joining us, emily and _ hotel quarantine. thank you both for joining us, emily and owen, - hotel quarantine. thank you both for joining us, emily and owen, and - hotel quarantine. thank you both for joining us, emily and owen, and i i joining us, emily and owen, and i hope you hear soon about what you can do in terms of leaving. we have just got some figures through to bring about covid testing positive, up to 5% of hotel guests have tested positive since reopening a few weeks ago. the uk health security agency says the latest indications are unprecedentedly high rates of positivity through the hotels in this round, including after predeparture testing. he says the latest figures are suggesting that only 5% of people in the hotels are positive. he says at least1% are positive. he says at least1% are on the crumb positive, but probably as 3%. he says they have had roughly 5000 guests through in this round of red mustang. so that is the positivity rate for guests with covid in quarantine hotels, and of course the quarantine hotels come to an end today, but as we were just learning from two people there who are in one, they are still waiting to hear about the logistics of being able to leave. a parliamentary inquiry begins today into the issue of historical forced adoptions. it's believed hundreds of thousands of young women were pressured and shamed into giving up their babies for adoption in the three decades after the second world war because they were unmarried and had become pregnant out of wedlock, which was taboo at the time. the birth mothers want the government to issue an apology for what state employees did to them. duncan kennedy reports. it is nearly 50 years since pat king was forced to give up her newborn baby. pat became pregnant aged 15 in 1973. she wasn't married and, almost immediately, a social worker arrived to confront her. i was the wicked girl and i had sinned and i needed to put this right and the way i could put this right was to help some family who really needed this baby. did she call you wicked? she did call me wicked, yes. it is thought around 400,000 unmarried women in england and wales were pressured to give up their babies for adoption in the 30 years after the second world war. even as they gave birth, some nurses treated them cruelly. you won't allowed to scream, you were told to shut up and stop making a noise and stop being silly, it was your own fault. you have got yourself into this mess. in the delivery room, a nurse or midwife is telling you to shut up screaming? yes. there was even more anguish when pat came to hand over her baby son. the social workerjust walked towards us, held out her arms, took the baby, wel... i tried to fight her to get the baby off me but that didn't work and she took the baby and that was it, just a thank you and went, that was it. today's parliamentary inquiry follows a series of reports on bbc news with dozens of the birth mothers. the government says it was society to blame for forced adoptions, but the birth mothers say that's wrong. it wasn't society that took my baby away, it was the state and all the employees of the state, they were all in cahoots with this practice. which was just wrong. and, therefore, the state should apologise? yes, therefore the state should apologise. pat king has never been reunited with her son. she hopes the new inquiry will help bring comfort to thousands of women like her who had their babies taken. duncan kennedy, bbc news. in a moment, borisjohnson will face mps in prime minister's questions, just hours since he experienced the biggest tory rebellion of his premiership over the introduction of covid passes in england. let's speak to our political correspondent, iain watson. what would you expect the mood in the commons to be today, iain? i the commons to be today, iain? i expect a subdued mood on the conservative benches. the conservative benches. the conservative mps behind him may continue spraying and peppering him with friendly fire, i think far more likely they may well sit on their hands and make it a little uncomfortable. i think some of them will probably get behind him, facing an attack, an onslaught from keir starmer. but from his point of view, i think what he will do is question borisjohnson's i think what he will do is question boris johnson's authority, i think what he will do is question borisjohnson's authority, has authority to leave the country and to bring his party with him during the latest covid crisis. it remains to be seen whether he also wants to push ahead with some of the more overtly party political attacks, alleged rule breaking in number ten, those parties for example and other events, the downing street refurbishment, to effectively have a go at borisjohnson when he was down. if he does do that, perhaps that'll get some of the people who voted against the prime minister yesterday to rally around him today. i think from boris johnson's yesterday to rally around him today. i think from borisjohnson's point of view, but he has to do is try to probably communicate the seriousness of the current covid crisis, the measures that were introduced of course with labour support yesterday, but also what the country may be facing in the weeks to come. and if he can do that, and perhaps resist as usual temptation to have a go back at the labour leader, accuse him of lacking foresight and all the rest of it, if you can try to do that, then perhaps you may be able to come some of the people in his own ranks. some government ministers have been saying privately this morning that they still think some of the people who rebelled yesterday didn't fully appreciate the skill and the speed of the new omicron variant, so i think also boris johnson may have to deliver that message again to his own side rather than simply try to deflect keir starmer�*s attacks. than simply try to deflect keir starmer's attacks.— than simply try to deflect keir starmer's attacks. ., ,, , ., , ., starmer's attacks. thank you, young, we will be in — starmer's attacks. thank you, young, we will be in the _ starmer's attacks. thank you, young, we will be in the house _ starmer's attacks. thank you, young, we will be in the house of _ starmer's attacks. thank you, young, we will be in the house of commons | we will be in the house of commons at midday. but now let's catch up with the weather. hello, dry conditions dominated for most for the rest of this week, but at the moment, still some splashes of rain around. to the north, more sunshine than yesterday, and to the south of it across other parts of northern inwood, north midlands, north wales, east anglia, some sunny spells. further south, winds light, plenty of cloud, some drizzle around the coast and hills, but like elsewhere, a mild one. through tonight and the rest of the week, building in from the south, whether northwards again over the rest of the net, so some damp and drizzly weather across the north and west of scotland in particular. most places dry, some clearer skies in northern england and northern ireland, some sunshine and mist and fog tomorrow. rain and drizzle in the north becoming confined to the islands of scotland. another mild day, too. this is bbc news, i'mjoanna gosling. the headlines at midday... covid passes become compulsary in england for nightclubs, big sports matches, and other large events. the ayes to the right, 369, the noes to the left, 126. 100 conservative mps voted against the government's plans — with boris johnson facing fresh questions over his authority. let's go live for prime minister's questions. thanking you, all members of staff and wishing you a merry christmas. and indeed to all members, and a happy new year. and members from across the house will want to join me in sending warmest wishes to all of our armed forces and all members of our armed forces and all members of the emergency services, health and care workers, and especially those who will be working over christmas, not least those in our national mission to get boosted now. mr speaker this morning i had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others and in addition to my duties in this house, i shall have further such meetings later today. can i congratulate the prime minister and his wife on the birth of his baby daughter. last week was crime week, was it a success for you prime minister?— prime minister? yes. i'm very crateful prime minister? yes. i'm very grateful and _ prime minister? yes. i'm very grateful and i _ prime minister? yes. i'm very grateful and i thank _ prime minister? yes. i'm very grateful and i thank him - prime minister? yes. i'm very grateful and i thank him for i prime minister? yes. i'm very| grateful and i thank him for his kind words. and it was, mr speaker, because last week we showed that we are not only the party putting on the resources to fight crime with 10,000 more police recruited already, but we are the party who is finally getting tough on the drugs gangs that blight the lives of children and communities up and down this country and we won't tolerate middle—class drugs use any more than any other kind of drugs use, mr speaker. any other kind of drugs use, mr seaker. a, , . any other kind of drugs use, mr seaker. , ., ,y any other kind of drugs use, mr seaker. _, _ , speaker. may i start by wishing the prime minister _ speaker. may i start by wishing the prime minister and _ speaker. may i start by wishing the prime minister and his _ speaker. may i start by wishing the prime minister and his family - speaker. may i start by wishing the prime minister and his family a - prime minister and his family a happy christmas. last christmas i joined a charity in mapping christmas presents at a good one temple and i delivered a small number of the thousands of gives the hindi community gave across sandwell, so will the prime minister injoin me in thanking all of the people at the charity who i will be joining again this week at west bromwich temple. i joining again this week at west bromwich temple.— bromwich temple. i thank my honourable — bromwich temple. i thank my honourable friend _ bromwich temple. i thank my honourable friend for - bromwich temple. i thank my honourable friend for raising l bromwich temple. i thank my - honourable friend for raising their work, and for all of the people of west bromwich, the hindu community, who made an incredible contribution to this country and i'm delighted that the charity is distributing donated gifts, and thank you to everyone involved particularly for her efforts. flan everyone involved particularly for her efforts-_ her efforts. can i also wish you, everybody _ her efforts. can i also wish you, everybody who _ her efforts. can i also wish you, everybody who works _ her efforts. can i also wish you, everybody who works in - her efforts. can i also wish you, everybody who works in this - her efforts. can i also wish you, - everybody who works in this house, and all members a merry christmas and all members a merry christmas and happy new year. and can i also send my congratulations to the prime minister and his wife on the birth of their daughter. and join the prime minister supporting the armed forces and on the front line. there were about 2000 omicron infections on monday and that is doubling every three days and the nhs could be overwhelmed, so i want to start by encouraging everyone listening to this session to get theirjabs and boosters. it's the best way to protect themselves, the nhs and their loved ones. given the seriousness of the situation, does the prime minister agree that the 100 conservative members who voted against plan b measures last night voted against steps which are necessary to protect the nhs and to protect lives?— protect lives? thank you, mr speaker- _ protect lives? thank you, mr speaker. the _ protect lives? thank you, mr speaker. the government i protect lives? thank you, mr speaker. the government is| protect lives? thank you, mr - speaker. the government is taking a balanced and proportionate approach to dealing with the pandemic and the house voted through plan b with conservative votes and we will continue with the massive booster roll—out to which he is a late convert. since friday, when i decided that we had to accelerate the booster programme in view of the data about omicron, we have cut the timetable in half and monday was the biggest vaccination monday in the history of the country and yesterday was the second biggest vaccination day by the nhs ever with more than 500,000 jabs delivered and the campaign continues to grow and i want to thank absolutely everybody involved and i want to thank all of the british public for coming forward to get boosted now. we all ho -e that forward to get boosted now. we all hope that combined _ forward to get boosted now. we all hope that combined with _ forward to get boosted now. we all hope that combined with the - forward to get boosted now. a all hope that combined with the booster programme, plan b will be sufficient to prevent the nhs from being overwhelmed. nobody wants to see further restrictions. but the prime minister has quite rightly not ruled anything out. , so can i take the opportunity to make clear to the prime minister that if further votes are needed to save lives and protect the nhs, labour mps will follow my leadership and we will always put the national interest first. can i ask the prime minister to get his house in order so that he can say the same about the members behind him? , ~ ,,, ., ,, him? yes, mr speaker. if further measures _ him? yes, mr speaker. if further measures are _ him? yes, mr speaker. if further measures are needed, _ him? yes, mr speaker. if further measures are needed, as - him? yes, mr speaker. if further measures are needed, as the - him? yes, mr speaker. if further. measures are needed, as the house will understand, if further regulation is needed, of course the house will have a further say and as for following house will have a further say and as forfollowing his leadership, mr speaker, they will and wobbled over plan bubble and over quarantine, and if we listen to him, we would not even have the vaccine roll—out because we would have remained in the european medicines agency. it's true. and we would not have opened up true. and we would not have opened up onjuly the 19th, we would have remained in lockdown. that is the reality. mr remained in lockdown. that is the reali . ~ , ., reality. mr speaker, let me put that straiaht reality. mr speaker, let me put that straight back— reality. mr speaker, let me put that straight back in _ reality. mr speaker, let me put that straight back in his _ reality. mr speaker, let me put that straight back in his box. _ reality. mr speaker, let me put that straight back in his box. the - reality. mr speaker, let me put that straight back in his box. the labour| straight back in his box. the labour party showed the leadership yesterday that the prime minister lacked. mr speaker, if it wasn't for labour votes, lacked. mr speaker, if it wasn't for labourvotes, his lacked. mr speaker, if it wasn't for labour votes, his government wouldn't have been able to introduce vital health measures we need to save the nhs. so weak is his leadership that his own mps were wrong to vote against basic public health measures. but i can understand why they are angry with him. after all, the health secretary said this summer that relaxations of restrictions were irreversible. they weren't. only last week... restrictions were irreversible. they weren't. only last week. . .- weren't. only last week... order. i've been — weren't. only last week... order. i've been tempted _ weren't. only last week... order. i've been tempted by _ weren't. only last week... order. i've been tempted by both - weren't. only last week... order. i've been tempted by both of - weren't. only last week... order. i've been tempted by both of you| weren't. only last week... order. | i've been tempted by both of you a bit too _ i've been tempted by both of you a bit too much. it is christmas, that is the _ bit too much. it is christmas, that is the only— bit too much. it is christmas, that is the only reason you will remain. last week— is the only reason you will remain. last week the government said plan b measures were not required, but they are. just like the rail revolution for the north, no one will have to sell their homes or social care, just like no tax rises. it is over after overpromise until reality catches up. does the prime minister understand why his own mps no longer trust him? there he goes again. he comes to this house, pompously claiming he wants to rise above party politics and support the efforts of the nation in delivering the vaccine roll—out and then he talks endlessly about party politics and plays a political game. i think what the people of the country can see is as a result of what this government has done with the decisions we have taken, the tough decisions we have taken, the tough decisions we have taken, the tough decisions we have taken to deliver, which he ducked, to deliver the fastest vaccine roll—out in europe and now the fastest booster roll—out. we now have, mr speaker, the fastest growing economy in the g7 and morejobs the fastest growing economy in the g7 and more jobs today and 500,000 morejobs today than g7 and more jobs today and 500,000 more jobs today than there were when the pandemic began. that is conservative government in action. we deliver. they complain. the only person undermining public confidence is sitting right there. here's the problem. his mps are wrong to vote against basic public health measures, but they are not wrong to distrust him. last week the conservative member for the forest of dean asked, why should people at home listening to the prime minister do things that people working in downing street are not prepared to do? a tory mp. the conservative memberfor do? a tory mp. the conservative member for shipley last week asked the prime minister, can he give me any reason, at all, why i should not tell my constituents to treat these rules the same way that downing street treated these rules last year? now the prime minister has had a week to come up with a good answer. has he done so? the answer is ve , answer. has he done so? the answer is very. very — answer. has he done so? the answer is very. very clear— answer. has he done so? the answer is very, very clear and _ answer. has he done so? the answer is very, very clear and it _ answer. has he done so? the answer is very, very clear and it is _ answer. has he done so? the answer is very, very clear and it is there - is very, very clear and it is there in what the public are doing, because they can see that the government is getting on with delivering on their priorities, not just on the economy, but above all on delivering the fastest booster roll—out in europe. he is fond of these european comparisons, mr speaker, but we've done almost double the percentage of any other european country and we have boosted 86% of the over 805 in this country. 91% of those aged 75 to 79. that is an astonishing achievement and i think that is what the people of this country are focused on, rather than the partisan trivia that he continually raises when, frankly, he has a case to answer himself. i has a case to answer himself. i think that is no. he hasn't come up with a good answer. for weeks now, he claims that no rules were broken, he claims that no rules were broken, he claims that no rules were broken, he claims he didn't know what was happening in his own house last christmas. i don't believe him. he is mp5 don't believe him, and nor do i5 mp5 don't believe him, and nor do the british public. he is taking the public for falls and it's becoming dangerous. because from today, anyone who te5t5 dangerous. because from today, anyone who tests positive for coronavirus faces a second christmas in isolation. it will be heartbreaking for families across the country. the message from the government has to be, we know that following the rules won't be easy this christmas, but it is necessary. can the prime minister not see that he has no hope of regaining the moral authority to deliver that difficult message if he cannot be straight with the british public about the rule breaking in downing street last christmas? i about the rule breaking in downing street last christmas?— street last christmas? i have repeatedly — street last christmas? i have repeatedly answered - street last christmas? i have repeatedly answered that - street last christmas? i have - repeatedly answered that question before, and as he knows, a report is being delivered to me by the cabinet secretary into exactly what went on. you might explain why there are pictures of him quaffing beer... i think what the british public want us all to do, what they want us all to do, is a focus on the matter in hand and continue to deliver the vaccine roll—out in the way that we are. i think it is an absolutely fantastic thing that people are now coming forward in the way that they are. 45% of people over 18 have now had a vaccine, mr speaker, and i thank our amazing staff and our nhs andi thank our amazing staff and our nhs and i thank the gps... well, you block to the investment —— you blocked the investment. they wouldn't vote for investment in the nhs. they wouldn't do it. i thank them for what they are doing and i can tell the house we are now speeding things up by allowing people to avoid the 15 minute delay after they've been vaccinated, which i hope will encourage even more people to come forward. the i hope will encourage even more people to come forward. the virus is s - readina people to come forward. the virus is spreading once _ people to come forward. the virus is spreading once again _ people to come forward. the virus is spreading once again and _ people to come forward. the virus is spreading once again and lives - people to come forward. the virus is spreading once again and lives and l spreading once again and lives and livelihoods are at risk. the british public are looking for a prime minister with the trust and the authority to lead britain through the crisis. instead we are burdened with the worst possible prime minister at the worst possible time. they are shouting now. where were theyin they are shouting now. where were they in the lobby last night? he is own mp5 have had enough. they won't defend him. they won't turn up to support him, and if he proposes them, they won't vote for basic public health measures, so at this time of national effort, the labour party stood up and shown the leadership that the prime minister can't and put the health and security of the british people first. , , , , security of the british people first. , first. order. this is silly, because i can't first. order. this is silly, because lcan't hear— first. order. this is silly, because i can't hear the _ first. order. this is silly, because i can't hear the question. - first. order. this is silly, because i can't hear the question. i - first. order. this is silly, because i can't hear the question. i don'tl ican't hear the question. i don't think— i can't hear the question. i don't think we — i can't hear the question. i don't think we need any more help from this front — think we need any more help from this front bench. i am dealing with this front bench. i am dealing with this corner— this front bench. i am dealing with this corner first before i come back — this corner first before i come back can— this corner first before i come back can i_ this corner first before i come back. can ijust say, i understand it is the _ back. can ijust say, i understand it is the last _ back. can ijust say, i understand it is the last pmqs and we will come back in— it is the last pmqs and we will come back in the — it is the last pmqs and we will come back in the new year, but i do need to hear— back in the new year, but i do need to hear the — back in the new year, but i do need to hear the question. and it may take _ to hear the question. and it may take a _ to hear the question. and it may take a long — to hear the question. and it may take a long time, but i will hear it. take a long time, but i will hear it so. — take a long time, but i will hear it. so, please, iwant to take a long time, but i will hear it. so, please, i want to get through— it. so, please, i want to get through the questions and i want you all to get— through the questions and i want you all to get away christmas and at this won't _ all to get away christmas and at this won't. keir starmer. the prime minister is so _ this won't. keir starmer. the prime minister is so weak _ this won't. keir starmer. the prime minister is so weak that _ this won't. keir starmer. the prime minister is so weak that without - minister is so weak that without labour votes last night, vital public health measures wouldn't have got through. but this country... he says it's not true. it's not true? he is so socially distance from the truth that he thinks it is not true. we better press on. we can't go on with a prime minister who is too weak to lead. will the prime minister take time this christmas to look in the mirror and ask himself whether he has the trust and authority to lead this country? gate thank you very much, mr speaker. we won the vote last night with conservative states. i respect their feelings and the anxieties colleagues have, of course i do. i respect and understand the anxieties colleagues have about restrictions on liberty. i believe the approach we are taking is balanced and proportionate and right for this country. let me tell you, some of the decisions, the tough decisions i have had to take. i had to come out of the european ventilator scheme. he decided to ridiculously attack that. i went ahead of the rest of europe with the vaccine roll—out, which would have been impossible had we listened to him. i decided to go ahead with opening up our society and economy, which he opposed. if we had listened to him but never forget, we would not now have the fastest economic growth in the g7. it is because we took those courageous steps, mr speaker, we have 500,000 more people in work than when the pandemic began. yesterday eyesore 1.2 million job vacancies, mr speaker. that is what conservative governments do. —— i saw. we vaccinate, they vacillate. theyjabber, we jab. they play party politics and we get on with the job. i am amazed! absolutely amazed some of you _ i am amazed! absolutely amazed some of you wanted to catch my eye. thanks — of you wanted to catch my eye. thanks for— of you wanted to catch my eye. thanks for that. it is making my life easier— thanks for that. it is making my life easier for so don't be shocked when _ life easier for so don't be shocked when it— life easier for so don't be shocked when it comes to the special question— when it comes to the special question today. let's go to dr liam fox _ question today. let's go to dr liam fox as _ question today. let's go to dr liam fox. �* , ., ., “ question today. let's go to dr liam fox. . , ., ., ., :: :: ., fox. as we look forward to 2020, one date that stands _ fox. as we look forward to 2020, one date that stands out _ fox. as we look forward to 2020, one date that stands out for _ fox. as we look forward to 2020, one date that stands out for me _ fox. as we look forward to 2020, one date that stands out for me is - fox. as we look forward to 2020, one date that stands out for me is the - date that stands out for me is the 215t date that stands out for me is the 21st of march, international down syndrome day. in thanking the government forcibly and thanking all parties in the house. or of the down syndrome bill, can i ask the prime minister if he will give his personal commitment to get the bill on the statute book before international down's syndrome day and we will become the first country to do so? it cannot be aboutjust trade and display messy, it will be about values. isn't that a great place to start? —— and diplomacy. he place to start? -- and diplomacy. he is a place to start? —— and diplomacy. he is a wonderful campaigner. this bill does aim to improve life outcomes for people with down's syndrome and we are pleased to support it and will do whatever we can to ensure the prompt progress of the bill. lgrate the prompt progress of the bill. we now come to ian black. thank- the prompt progress of the bill. we now come to ian black. thank you, | the prompt progress of the bill. we i now come to ian black. thank you, mr seaker. now come to ian black. thank you, mr speaker- can — now come to ian black. thank you, mr speaker- can i — now come to ian black. thank you, mr speaker. can i wish _ now come to ian black. thank you, mr speaker. can i wish you... _ now come to ian black. thank you, mr speaker. can i wish you... it - now come to ian black. thank you, mr speaker. can i wish you... it is - now come to ian black. thank you, mr speaker. can i wish you... it is not - speaker. can i wish you... it is not a pantomime! exactly. thank you, mr speaker. and i wish you can order staff, all members of the house a merry christmas and a good new year, when it comes? can i send my thanks to those on the front line, the emergency services and armed forces for everything they had done to get us through this year? mr speaker, the public understand the threat on the public understand the threat on the con poses taller people the nhs. we sell from the vote last night, tories might be privileged enough to live in denial about this danger but the rest of us have the responsibility to live in the real world. —— omicron poses. the scottish government is delivering £100 million from its fixed budget to support businesses. we all know more is needed. yesterday, the uk government that had a press release a new financial support was coming. last night the treasury said, no new money was available. prime minister, which is it? is there any new manager support businesses or was it all smoke and mirrors once again?! all smoke and mirrors once again? i am grateful to the right honourable gentleman. i share some of the points he made about the importance of being vigilant about omicron. it is good he set that out, importantly continue to work with the scottish administration as we do, to help everybody through it. there is more money, as he knows, three barnet consequential is and further powers under the existing devolutionary settlement for the scottish administration to raise more money if it chooses. they have that option. we will continue with the discussions with the scottish administration.— discussions with the scottish administration. ., , _ ., administration. that simply was not an answer- — administration. that simply was not an answer- it _ administration. that simply was not an answer. it confirms _ administration. that simply was not an answer. it confirms it _ administration. that simply was not an answer. it confirms it is - administration. that simply was not an answer. it confirms it is all - an answer. it confirms it is all smoke and mirrors. there is no new money. then. once again, we cannot trust a word the prime minister says, dodgy dealings on renovations and his distant relationship with the truth. last night, this uk government struggled to get measures through the house that scotland has had four months. a prime minister who cannot do what is needed to protect the public is no prime minister at all. mr speaker, protect the public is no prime ministerat all. mr speaker, nobody wants further restrictions but scotland cannot afford to be hamstrung if the prime minister cannot act because he has 99 problems behind him. will he give the devolved governments powers and financial support we need to protect our people? mr financial support we need to protect our people?— our people? mr speaker, i think we will need a — our people? mr speaker, i think we will need a bigger— our people? mr speaker, i think we will need a bigger waistcoat - our people? mr speaker, i think we will need a bigger waistcoat to - will need a bigger waistcoat to contain a synthetic indignation of the right honourable gentleman, quite frankly. the scottish administration has the powers but what we have also done, mr speaker, is a record settlement, a record settlement. land, £41 billion. i is a record settlement, a record settlement. land, £41 billion. lam actually quite cordial with the honourable gentleman behind the scenes. we will work with the scottish government to get through this thing together.— this thing together. stroke is the leadin: this thing together. stroke is the leading cause — this thing together. stroke is the leading cause of _ this thing together. stroke is the leading cause of adult _ this thing together. stroke is the leading cause of adult disability i this thing together. stroke is the | leading cause of adult disability in the united kingdom, it is the fourth—largest killer. we have made much progress. in the last couple of years, key treatments have actually stalled and gone backwards. in particular, most stroke survivors receive less than half the recommended levels of rehabilitation, something the prime minister knows my own family has experienced. can we upgrade their very good national strike plan into a fully fledged national strategy for stroke, with a minister responsible for it and a dedicated team of officials to roll it out? i team of officials to roll it out? i thank my right honourable friend for that question. he and i had discussed his own personal reasons for caring so much about the issue. i understand and sympathise deeply with what he is saying. that is one of the reasons i want to make sure we do invest enough in this. there are 20 integrated stroke networks in england already. what we wanted it is increase the capacity by about tenfold, mr speaker. very happy to make sure he has the right meeting with the relevant minister to discuss the matter. that is why it is so important to invest now in the nhs in the way we are. what a pity that essential measure could not be supported by the party opposite! the prime supported by the party opposite! the: prime minister's supported by the party opposite! tt;e: prime minister's actions supported by the party opposite! tt9 prime minister's actions over the last three months have eroded public confidence at their worst possible time in a public health crisis, including will breaking by his own mp5 and ignoring rule breaking in his own house. he cannot even lead tory mp5 to vote for his public health guidance. how does he expect to lead anybody else? surely it is time for him to do the right thing, the only thing left for him to restore public confidence and resign. t restore public confidence and resin. :, :, :, :, resign. i am going to get on with rotectin: resign. i am going to get on with protecting the — resign. i am going to get on with protecting the public _ resign. i am going to get on with protecting the public of - resign. i am going to get on with protecting the public of this - protecting the public of this country and making sure that we get through this pandemic together as one united kingdom. mr speaker, and making sure that we protect trade between great britain and northern ireland in the way i know he will want to protected.— ireland in the way i know he will want to protected. thank you very much. in east _ want to protected. thank you very much. in east anglia, _ want to protected. thank you very much. in east anglia, there - want to protected. thank you very much. in east anglia, there is - want to protected. thank you very much. in east anglia, there is on | much. in east anglia, there is on the one hand tremendous opportunities in such sectors as low carbon energy and sustainable fishing and on the other hand were significant challenges with deep pockets of deprivation, particularly in coastal communities that i acknowledge the investment that has been made but there is a concern locally that the government is yet to comprehend the scale of the opportunity are region has to be a global exemplar in new and revitalised industries and in doing so, being transformative in long—term benefits for local people. will my right honourable friend meet with other east anglian mp5 and myself so that together we can put into place a strategy to realise the full potential of the east of england? full potential of the east of encland? , ~ ., england? yes, mr speaker. i also want to say _ england? yes, mr speaker. i also want to say that _ england? yes, mr speaker. i also want to say that i _ england? yes, mr speaker. i also want to say that i understand - want to say that i understand completely the massive opportunity that exists, the potential that exists in those coastal communities. that is why we are investing £120 million already in five new town deals, including for lowestoft, mr speaker. i am sure my right honourable friend, the secretary of state for levelling up will want to be taking on his points on board as we bring forward the levelling up white paper in the new year. does the prime minister _ white paper in the new year. tn: the prime minister believe that damage being caused by brexit and his litany of broken promises, his condoning of conservative party corruption or simply his complicity in lockdown busting christmas parties and quizzes has caused the public to so dramatically so rapidly lose faith in his leadership? mr speaker, what i have said is it is our freedom from the rules of the european union that enabled us to deliver the fastest vaccine roll—out in europe, has enabled us to have the fastest economic growth in the g7 and that is of massive benefit to each and every one of his constituents. i think he should acknowledge that point. tithe constituents. i think he should acknowledge that point. one of the sirnificant acknowledge that point. one of the significant achievements _ acknowledge that point. one of the significant achievements of - acknowledge that point. one of the significant achievements of the - significant achievements of the government is the work it has done with local authorities to tackle rough sleeping. five years ago, 36 people were sleeping rough in newbury. this year it is reduced to zero. the council can only sustain that success with the help of additional support services to tackle complex causes of homelessness. what action will the government take through its new ten year strategy? mr; government take through its new ten year strategy?— year strategy? my honourable friend is completely _ year strategy? my honourable friend is completely right _ year strategy? my honourable friend is completely right to _ year strategy? my honourable friend is completely right to draw- year strategy? my honourable friend is completely right to draw the - year strategy? my honourable friend is completely right to draw the link | is completely right to draw the link between drug addiction and rough sleeping. that is why our drugs strategy is so absolutely vital for tackling this problem. i also want to thank local councils and everybody involved in the everyone in campaign. homelessness and rough sleeping are a blight, a shame for our society. sleeping are a blight, a shame for oursociety. i sleeping are a blight, a shame for our society. i am sleeping are a blight, a shame for our society. lam proud sleeping are a blight, a shame for our society. i am proud to say levels are falling. rf sleeping snapshot shows levels have fallen since 2017. —— are rough sleeping snapshot. as we come out of the pandemic, we must make sure we continue to reduce rough sleeping and make it an absolute priority for the government. itrul’ith and make it an absolute priority for the government.— and make it an absolute priority for the government. with the emergence ofthe the government. with the emergence of the omicron _ the government. with the emergence of the omicron variant and the - of the omicron variant and the raising of temp covid infections, more and more people are being asked to stay—at—home. some people in wales are not in receipt of benefits or above the weekly earnings threshold. will the prime minister act to increase sick pay, which currently stands at £96.35 per week so people will not have to choose between following public health regulations and putting food on the table? t regulations and putting food on the table? :, ~ , . table? i thank him very much. i understand _ table? i thank him very much. i understand the _ table? i thank him very much. i understand the difficulty - table? i thank him very much. i understand the difficulty some l understand the difficulty some families will find themselves enemy want to look after everybody throughout the pandemic. that is why we had tried to lift the living wage and increase funds available for childcare stop also made sure the council has had an extra hardship fund to help families like he is describing through the winter. thank ou ve describing through the winter. thank you very much- _ describing through the winter. thank you very much. following _ you very much. following confirmation of the crew to manchester leg of high speed two and crewe's history in the railway injury, would the prime minister say when he will choose the location? t when he will choose the location? i have to be very careful with what i say. i have no doubt that crewe is a strong contender. other details will be announced in the coming weeks, mr speaker. i know expressions of interest for places such as crewe will be very welcome.— interest for places such as crewe will be very welcome. thank you. after inquest _ will be very welcome. thank you. after inquest verdicts _ will be very welcome. thank you. after inquest verdicts on - will be very welcome. thank you. after inquest verdicts on the - will be very welcome. thank you. after inquest verdicts on the 97 l after inquest verdicts on the 97 people who died in the hillsborough disaster of unlawful killing, the right honourable gentleman stood for election of this house on a manifesto that included legislating to introduce a public advocate. why is his government repeatedly blocking my public advocate bill which has cross—party support and will prevent families bereaved by public disasters from ever again having to endure what the hillsborough families have had to cope with over the last 32 years? is it an oversight or yet again another broken promise? we do recognise the importance of putting the bereaved and the bereaved of hillsborough at the heart of an investigation, and we think in certain circumstances funding may be available for representations for the bereaved at a public enquiry of interest. we are considering, to her point, what steps should be taken and i will ensure she has a meeting with the relevant minister in the relevant department, in the home office, as soon as possible. b5 department, in the home office, as soon as possible.— department, in the home office, as soon as possible. as we see russian forces massing _ soon as possible. as we see russian forces massing on — soon as possible. as we see russian forces massing on the _ soon as possible. as we see russian forces massing on the ukrainian - forces massing on the ukrainian border, can we be reminded that russia is also continuing cyber attacks, attempted assassinations using gas as a political weapon, holding illegally territory in the crimea, georgia, intimidating the west and attempting to interfere in western elections. how much does the government understand that president putin is conducting a hybrid war against the west, and how is the government responding to it? t am government responding to it? i am afraid my right _ government responding to it? i am afraid my right honourable friend is absolutely right in what he says and he is right to stress the particular urgency of the situation in hybrid warfare and other interventions, but there is a particular crisis we face on the border with ukraine where russian troops have been massing for sometimes as the house knows, and i told president putin on monday what i think everybody in the g7 and more widely is agreed on, that if russia were so rash and mad to engage in an invasion of sovereign territory in ukraine, there would be an extremely tough package of economic sanctions mounted by our allies, mounted by the uk and ourfriends mounted by our allies, mounted by the uk and our friends around the world and there would also, of course, be support for ukraine and there would inevitably be the build—up of nato forces in the periphery regions and as i told president putin, i believe any such action would be catastrophic, not just for russia and ukraine, but for the world. the just for russia and ukraine, but for the world. ~ , ., the world. the prime minister made an address to _ the world. the prime minister made an address to the _ the world. the prime minister made an address to the nation _ the world. the prime minister made an address to the nation on - the world. the prime minister made an address to the nation on sunday| an address to the nation on sunday on covid boosterjabs and he said that every eligible adult will have the chance to get the booster before the chance to get the booster before the new year, roughly two weeks away. however, the health secretary and our national health leaders have said otherwise. we know that those who deliver our health service were not adequately consulted. the infrastructure to deliver what is not prepared. isn't this going to be yet another broken promise, prime minister? , , , ., ., , , minister? yes, this is a massive national effort. _ minister? yes, this is a massive national effort. yes, _ minister? yes, this is a massive national effort. yes, it - minister? yes, this is a massive national effort. yes, it will - minister? yes, this is a massive national effort. yes, it will be i national effort. yes, it will be incredibly hard to achieve, but do i believe that our nhs and our gps and volunteers can do it, yes i do, mr speaker and that is the spirit in which she and the whole house should approach it and rather than taking that approach, can i advise all of the labour benches and all colleagues around this house to tell our constituents to get boosted now. i very much welcome my right honourable friend's answer to your question a moment ago and his emphasis on global britain in partnership in standing up to autocracies, so will he share the concern that i have about the reports i've just got from the foreign office that there is a staff cut off 10% across the board. how is this can pattern —— compatible with global britain? tote this can pattern -- compatible with global britain?— global britain? we are investing massively in _ global britain? we are investing massively in overseas _ global britain? we are investing massively in overseas aid - global britain? we are investing massively in overseas aid and i massively in overseas aid and investing massively, over £10 billion per year in overseas aid and this country is spending, we are the biggest spender in europe, 54 billion, and if you are looking at what we are doing on aid, the foreign office comments defence, the biggest spender on overseas activities of any country in europe and i know he is an expert on foreign affairs, but i can tell him that the recent information that has trickled into his ears, i'm assured by my right honourable friend the foreign secretary, fake news. transport for london faces serious financial difficulties solely due to the pandemic causing the collapse in affairs income. the emergency covid funding the two tfl expires the day after tomorrow. funding the two tfl expires the day aftertomorrow. priorto funding the two tfl expires the day after tomorrow. prior to the pandemic, the mayor of london spent four years improving tfl's finances after... after that... four years improving tfl's finances after... after that. . .— after... after that. .. there will be after... after that. .. there will be a nightmare _ after... after that. .. there will be a nightmare in — after... after that. .. there will be a nightmare in a _ after... after that. .. there will be a nightmare in a moment. - after... after that. .. there will be a nightmare in a moment. can - after... after that. .. there will be a nightmare in a moment. can i i after... after that. .. there will be i a nightmare in a moment. can ijust say, we _ a nightmare in a moment. can ijust say, we want — a nightmare in a moment. can ijust say, we want to get through the questions — say, we want to get through the questions and i was hoping to get some _ questions and i was hoping to get some extra people ill and you're not helping _ some extra people ill and you're not helping me — some extra people ill and you're not helping me do so —— people in. prior helping me do so -- people in. prior to the pandemic _ helping me do so -- people in. prior to the pandemic the _ helping me do so —— people in. t t?" to the pandemic the mayor of london spent four years improving tfl's finances after his predecessor inexplicably bargained away tfl's 700 million annual government grant. by 700 million annual government grant. by failing to meet the mayor on extending the emergency covid grant, this government is putting the city's economy and environment at risk. rail companies have had additional support. will the pm instruct silent grant shapps to meet the mayor immediately so buses and tubes can continue to keep london moving from friday? this tubes can continue to keep london moving from friday?— tubes can continue to keep london moving from friday? this happens to be one of the — moving from friday? this happens to be one of the subjects _ moving from friday? this happens to be one of the subjects i _ moving from friday? this happens to be one of the subjects i know - moving from friday? this happens to be one of the subjects i know more l be one of the subjects i know more about than anybody else in this house and i can tell her that when i was mayor of london and chairman of transport for london, we had our finances in balance because i ran a responsible fares policy and when i left the mayoralty we had crossrail in surplus and we had reserves in surplus. what happened, actually, was that the labour mayor of london embarked on a reckless, underfunded fares policy, cutting fares recklessly so as to leave a huge black hole in transport for london's finances. and yes, mr speaker, we have... and we will of course help the stricken labour... tasha; have. .. and we will of course help the stricken labour. . .— have... and we will of course help the stricken labour... any more, you are out. the stricken labour... any more, you are out- we — the stricken labour... any more, you are out. we will _ the stricken labour... any more, you are out. we will help _ the stricken labour... any more, you are out. we will help them _ the stricken labour... any more, you are out. we will help them with - are out. we will help them with difficulties _ are out. we will help them with difficulties in _ are out. we will help them with difficulties in any _ are out. we will help them with difficulties in any way _ are out. we will help them with difficulties in any way we - are out. we will help them with difficulties in any way we can i are out. we will help them with l difficulties in any way we can but the blame lies fairly and squarely with city hall. t the blame lies fairly and squarely with city hall-— the blame lies fairly and squarely with city hall. i would like to wish all of the constituents _ with city hall. i would like to wish all of the constituents across - with city hall. i would like to wish all of the constituents across the | all of the constituents across the country a merry christmas and a safe 2022. what matters to my sedgefield constituency is jobs. will the 2022. what matters to my sedgefield constituency isjobs. will the pm join me in congratulating the securing of the h52 at rollings dock contract which is a vote of confidence in my constituents and that the secretary of state for transport can confirm the feasibility study for the new station means we can level up and build back better and help all of my constituents. t build back better and help all of my constituents.— build back better and help all of my constituents. i thank my honourable friend who is — constituents. i thank my honourable friend who is a _ constituents. i thank my honourable friend who is a great _ constituents. i thank my honourable friend who is a great advocate - constituents. i thank my honourable friend who is a great advocate for i friend who is a great advocate for sedgefield and his constituents and for levelling up and i congratulate hit archie and alston on securing the stock order and the components of ferryhill station for completing the business came for the scheme and this is part of the £96 billion investment that we are making in our railway infrastructure, the biggest in 100 years, dwarfing anything that the labour party has ever embarked on, and we will get on with uniting and levelling up across the country. my my staff are serving and delivering over 1000 hampers to families across the northeast to make sure they get a christmas. will this prime ministerjoined me in congratulating everyone involved in this venture and if you would like to come and light achieve in my constituency i will make sure one is available. t will make sure one is available. i do want to thank and will make sure one is available. t do want to thank and congratulate everybody in her constituency for helping to bring hampers to those who needed this christmas, it is a wonderful thing. who needed this christmas, it is a wonderfulthing. mr; who needed this christmas, it is a wonderful thing.— who needed this christmas, it is a wonderful thing. my thoughts and i am sure the _ wonderful thing. my thoughts and i am sure the thoughts _ wonderful thing. my thoughts and i am sure the thoughts of— wonderful thing. my thoughts and i am sure the thoughts of the - wonderful thing. my thoughts and i am sure the thoughts of the whole | am sure the thoughts of the whole house rss who loved star hobson who was pretty plain murdered by a monster whilst her evil mother allowed it to happen in keighley. the court heard numerous referrals were made to child services months in advance of the murder and were not taken seriously, the case was closed. the prime minister will be aware this is the latest of a long list of failings of bradford council's children's services where political correctness appears to have been put before the welfare of children. i have no confidence in bradford council leadership to deliver children's services and since the death of this child, i am pleased with government has sent in a commissioner... pleased with government has sent in a commissioner. . .— a commissioner... sorry, this is sub'ect a commissioner... sorry, this is subject to _ a commissioner... sorry, this is subject to jurisdiction _ a commissioner... sorry, this is subject to jurisdiction and i i a commissioner... sorry, this is subject to jurisdiction and i do l a commissioner... sorry, this is l subject to jurisdiction and i do not subject tojurisdiction and i do not want _ subject tojurisdiction and i do not want to— subject tojurisdiction and i do not want to cause a problem, please answer— want to cause a problem, please answer without giving any further detail _ answer without giving any further detail i— answer without giving any further detail. i think we have given too far the _ detail. i think we have given too far the detail about the case at the moment — far the detail about the case at the moment l — far the detail about the case at the moment. :, :, far the detail about the case at the moment. :, ., :, y :, moment. i am grateful for your direction. _ moment. i am grateful for your direction. i _ moment. i am grateful for your direction, ijust _ moment. i am grateful for your direction, i just want _ moment. i am grateful for your direction, i just want to - moment. i am grateful for your direction, i just want to say i moment. i am grateful for your direction, i just want to say the whole house will be filled with incredulity at the cruelty of people who perpetrate child killing like this but also, sadness and bewilderment that it could not be prevented and we will appoint, as my honourable friend knows, a commissioner to assess the relevant council capability and capacity to improve on their findings. they will report injanuary. but this will also feeding to the report we have commissioned on the death of arthur live in your shoes. i say to those who are responsible and the authorities concerned that we will not hesitate to remove service control if that is what is necessary to drive the improvements that is necessary to see.— to drive the improvements that is necessary to see. that comes to the end of prime — necessary to see. that comes to the end of prime minister's _ necessary to see. that comes to the end of prime minister's questions, i end of prime minister's questions, can i_ end of prime minister's questions, can liust _ end of prime minister's questions, can ijust wish everyone a wonderful christmas _ we are going to stay in the house of commons chamber because an urgent question is going to be asked shortly by the chair of the education select committee on what is going to be happening with schools in january. is going to be happening with schools injanuary. the education secretary was asked previously whether he could guarantee that schools would be going back as normal in january. schools would be going back as normal injanuary. he said he couldn't guarantee it, but would do everything he could to make sure that would happen. let's bring in iain watson... 0h, hang on, let me just... here we go, the urgent question. ardbeg didn't question, can i call robert halford._ robert halford. thank you, mr seaker. robert halford. thank you, mr speaker- -- — robert halford. thank you, mr speaker- -- to _ robert halford. thank you, mr speaker. -- to the _ robert halford. thank you, mr speaker. -- to the urgent i robert halford. thank you, mr i speaker. -- to the urgent question. speaker. —— to the urgent question. teachers and support staff across the country, therefore horsemen of the country, therefore horsemen of the education apocalypse and galloping towards our young people in the form of a widening attainment gap, an epidemic of mental health... just ask the question and come back to your— just ask the question and come back to your speech. to just ask the question and come back to your speech-— just ask the question and come back to your speech. to ask the secretary of state for — to your speech. to ask the secretary of state for education _ to your speech. to ask the secretary of state for education if _ to your speech. to ask the secretary of state for education if you - to your speech. to ask the secretary of state for education if you will i of state for education if you will make a statement on schools reopening injanuary? make a statement on schools reopening in january?- make a statement on schools reopening in january? thank you, mr seaker. reopening in january? thank you, mr speaker- very _ reopening in january? thank you, mr speaker. very grateful _ reopening in january? thank you, mr speaker. very grateful to _ reopening in january? thank you, mr speaker. very grateful to you - reopening in january? thank you, mr speaker. very grateful to you for i speaker. very grateful to you for granting this urgent question when the schools minister is out of town. the government are committed to ensuring schools open injanuary as normal. the classroom is very best place for children and young people's development, we are incredibly grateful for teachers and all education staff for all they have done to maintain face—to—face learning, protecting education continues to be at absolute priority. the government has taken action to help manage the omicron variant and the prime minister has already announced we are turbo—charging our bicester programme to offer every adult in england vaccine by the end of the year to protect people from the omicron variant. we have set out clear plans for school openings in january, including on—site lateral flow testing for secondary students, continued regular testing for children at home and a comprehensive contingency framework to manage outbreaks. as of first december, over 95.2 million tests have been completed across all education settings and the government has made over £100 million of funding available to education settings to support with costs. schools and education settings have a range of measures in place to manage corporate and reduce transmission, including regular testing, additional hygiene practices, increasing ventilation and procedures for managing confirmed cases. from tuesday 14th december, a new national daily testing of covid testing policy was introduced which means young people are fully vaccinated adults who are identified in close contact with covid can take an eight nhs rapid lateralflow test every day for seven days and continue to attend their setting as normal unless you have a positive result. we also recommend all students and staff to wear face coverings in communal areas and have supported education settings to improve ventilation. the government is committed to delivering 300,000 c02 monitors by native term, we have already delivered 329,000 with over 99% eligible settings receiving monitors. every child aged 12 and over is eligible to receive the vaccine and we want to encourage all children parents to take up this offer as soon as possible if they have not already. it is vital all of his including parents, carers, teachers and everyone working in education goes out as soon as possible can to get their booster jab to protect the nhs, our way of life and to protect education. thank you, mr speaker for granting the question. despite their best efforts, teachers and support staff in harlow at around the country who have worked tirelessly to keep were learning —— learning, the four horsemen of the apocalypse of education have been galloping towards... safeguarding hazards and a lot of life chances. we know the attainment gap between rich and poor students is getting worse and children being referred to support services is increasing. we know 100,000 ghost children are missing entirely, almost entirely from the school world. and show figures show over 230,000 children were not in school for covid—19 related incidents. the government say they want to keep schools open, but what is the plan in order to do so? what measures are being taken to ensure that should education staff he that should education staff be required to isolate, there is a network of supply teachers ready to step in? is additionalfunding being allocated to reply ventilation in schools. why can the government not say that my why do we not have adverts about that? what mental health support is being given to our young people affected by the pandemic. what assessment has been made of the impact on student last learning. there is a campaign for an army of nhs volunteers but none for education. why is there no similar army of teachers and ofsted inspectors not being recruited to help schools struggling. why can we not have the same compassion and resource revision for the education services we do for the health service? despite government assurances, it seems to me we are moving towards de facto school closures. i urge ministers to prove otherwise. :, ~ closures. i urge ministers to prove otherwise-— closures. i urge ministers to prove otherwise. :, ,, ~ .«r otherwise. thank you, mr speaker, and i think my _ otherwise. thank you, mr speaker, and i think my right _ otherwise. thank you, mr speaker, and i think my right honourable i and i think my right honourable friend the chair of the education select committee for his question. i know how much this subject means to him and i am sure he will recognise how much it means to everyone in the department for education. we are absolutely clear that the best place first school children is in school. the best thing for schoolchildren is to have face—to—face teaching, and as the secretary of state said at the weekend, he will do everything in his power to ensure that that is met. we have a range of work and am way in response to this fast—moving situation. currently, i believe, there are 14 hospitalisations from ohmic run, and that the rate of doubling of cases is every two days. at the weekend the secretary of state said i think a a third of cases in london with omicron. that is already over 50%. to deal with this, we have said about four things. testing, vaccination, ventilation and hygiene. these are the ways in which we will absolutely back schools to ensure that in classroom teaching can continue. we are recommending that at the start of next term, all secondary school pupils will be tested right at the start of term, and we are offering a small amount of flexibility for the time which schools can go back and make sure this testing can take place. we are offering additional funding to make sure that this testing is available. i can reassure the house that schools have, and will have, all of the testing facilities that they require. on vaccination, six out of ten, 16 and 17—year—olds have already been jabbed, and over 18% of everybody in the population aged 12 and over have received at least two jabs. this is a remarkable achievement made possible by our world leading vaccine and procurement of vaccine roll—out. 99% of schools received at c02 monitor and schools are running very comprehensively and across hygiene programmes wherever. the key to our success in the battle against omicron will be the booster programme. this is national mission of utmost importance and severity. the government is throwing the kitchen sink at making sure that before schools get back, mr speaker, all adults will have had the chance to have their booster. this is the way forward and how we maximise our chances of making sure that our children get their world—class they deserve. children get their world-class they deserve. :, ~ children get their world-class they deserve. :, ,, , :, children get their world-class they deserve. :, ~' ,, ~ children get their world-class they deserve. :, ,, ~ .«r deserve. thank you, mr speaker. firstl , deserve. thank you, mr speaker. firstly. may _ deserve. thank you, mr speaker. firstly. may i _ deserve. thank you, mr speaker. firstly, may i take _ deserve. thank you, mr speaker. firstly, may i take the _ deserve. thank you, mr speaker. | firstly, may i take the opportunity to thank staff, students and pupils for their dedication through the year. the government complacency means we are now at a race against time to protect children in education is the omicron variant spreads. up 13%, children are at of school due to covid—19. this ongoing disruption to education comes on top of the average of 115 days of in—person school that people submit stood between march 2020 injuly 2021. mr speaker, the government has serious questions to answer about why further steps have not been taken to reduce the spread of covid—19 amongst pupils. we know that vaccination and ventilation are vital to these efforts. sage first highlighted the importance of ventilation in schools in 2020, but 19 months on, the government has failed to act on their advice. mr speaker, there is literally a problem that the government could have fixed while the sun was still shining. it has caused open windows despite plummeting temperatures while school energy bills rocket. interim findings of the bradford pilot for their purifiers and recommend that schools take recommendations from this ministers miss their own target to offer everyone in the 12 to 15—year—old h group a jab in november and have not set a new one yet. offering jabs to 12 to 15—year—olds has jumped set a new one yet. offering jabs to 12 to 15—year—olds hasjumped by 12 by half term. can all young people get theirjob by the end of the christmas holidays. can you set out what steps he will take to rapidly up what steps he will take to rapidly up ramps the roll—out? then target their campaign to parents on the benefits of the vaccination, access to walking and pop—up clinics and access to retired clinicians. we are now entering into the third school year disruption. time and time again, this government failure to plan ahead has left children suffering throughout the pandemic. they must not be treated as an afterthought. they must not be treated as an afterthought-— they must not be treated as an afterthouaht. :, ~ ,, ~ ,,, ., ,, afterthought. thank you, mr speaker. i would like to — afterthought. thank you, mr speaker. i would like to join _ afterthought. thank you, mr speaker. i would like to join the _ afterthought. thank you, mr speaker. i would like to join the honourable i i would like to join the honourable gentleman in his remarks about schools and school staff. we understand that they have, in extremely difficult conditions over the past 18 months, worked enormously hard to do the best for children. i think it is important to recognise that the work that they have done throughout has made it possible that we are now in a position where we have good and improving rates of vaccination, good ventilation, good hygiene, and good testing in schools. and as i made clear in my answer to the right honourable testing in schools. and as i made clear in my answer to the right tote clear in my answer to the right we will leave the house of commons after that urgent question, from the chair of the education select committee, who wanted to know what guarantees the government can give in terms of schools reopening in january, and the message there, similar to the one we have heard before which is that it is an absolute priority for the government to reopen schools injanuary, but previously the education secretary said they could not guarantee that thatis said they could not guarantee that that is absolutely the priority. we also actually had a new figure on omicron hospitalisations there are 14 people currently in hospital confirmed with omicron, we had. in a few moments, the news at one, but right now, time for a weather update. some areas rather grey and gloomy today, other areas with some lovely winter sunshine. all areas, though, pretty mild for the time of year, temperatures through this afternoon sticking in double figures for many. this building area of high pressure slowly pushes north—westwards, a week where the front trapped in the northern system across the uk, bringing in some figure cloud in patchy a bit of rain to northern ireland. into the far north of england and towards southern scotland. to the north of it, bright with some sunshine, some bright weather through north wales, north midlands, northern england, rather grey and gloomy across the south. wind is light for most but quite breezy and windy across the north and west of scotland. like i mentioned, a mild through this afternoon, temperatures in double figures for most. into this evening and overnight comedy weak weather front begins to migrate northwards again, becoming confined to the north—east of scotland by the end of the night. elsewhere, largely dry, quite a lot of cloud particularly across southern areas but when we get clear spells in a north—eastern one, perhaps in the north—eastern one, perhaps in the north—eastern one, perhaps in the north—eastern one, perhaps north—east scotland, turning chilly with mist and fog patches developing. mild night for most. some low cloud and mist around to to start tomorrow, the best of an extension across the north—east of the uk, and this to affect the far of scotland come in with the northern isles, but again is another mild day for the time of year, temperatures from ten to 12 celsius. this area of high pressure sits across the uk in a block pattern cold an amiga block, you can see from the greek letter shape there, the jet stream moving to the north of it. areas will stay rather cloudy throughout the day they will feel chilly, and skies clearing at night towards the weekend telling quite chilly. friday, a quiet day with the array of high pressure pretty much sitting on top of us, dry as well across the north of scotland, but a lot of cloud through central and southern parts of the country, quite grey and gloomy, perhaps the best of this in turn after a chilly start across parts of northern england and into scotland. some of the story as we have through the weekend, staying largely cloudy for most, chilly by skies clear at night, but at least a few owners might have some sunshine. —— a few areas might have some sunshine. a senior health official warns that cases of the omicron variant are doubling in less than every two days in most parts of the uk. it's probably the most significant threat we've had since the start of the pandemic, and i'm sure, for example, that the numbers we see on data over the next few days will be quite staggering. it comes as new rules come into force meaning adults in england must show a covid pass to get into nightclubs, big sports matches and other large events. party over for you now, prime minister? there's more pressure on borisjohnson after a backench rebellion of 100 conservative mp5 against the covid passes. his own mps have had enough, they want to— his own mps have had enough, they want to defend him,

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