is facing because to remove his cabinet secretary, sign in case, who is leading an inquiry into downing street christmas parties after it's alleged that parties were held in his own department. i alleged that parties were held in his own department.— alleged that parties were held in his own department. i hear what the voters are saying — his own department. i hear what the voters are saying in _ his own department. i hear what the voters are saying in north _ voters are saying in north shropshire, and in all humility, i have got to accept that verdict. the uk has reported more than 93,000 new coronavirus cases — the highest daily number since the start of the pandemic. the television presenter aj 0dudu has pulled out of tomorrow night's strictly come dancing final after suffering an injury. and find out what mark kermode thinks of "spiderman: no way home", and the week's other main cinema releases — that's coming up at in the film review at 5.45. good evening. the liberal democrats have called their victory in the north shropshire by—election a "watershed moment" for british politics, after the party overturned a conservative majority of 23,000 — winning by nearly 6,000 votes. the prime minister is facing questions about his political future, after losing a seat the party had held for nearly 200 years. he has called the result disappointing and says he totally understands people's frustrations. the by—election was caused by the resignation of 0wen paterson, after he was found to have breached parliamentary lobbying rules. 0ur political correspondent jonathan blake reports. three, two, one! celebration in shropshire, and the message was clear from the winning party — this was a verdict on borisjohnson and his government. this isn'tjust an upset, it's a political earthquake. for the first time in almost two centuries, the once true blue market towns and villages of north shropshire have said it's time for change. 0n the march in celebration, the liberal democrats threw everything at this campaign, and it seems it's paid off. they'll hope it's more than a protest vote, and that their message that people felt left behind and taken for granted really resonated. this is a watershed moment in british politics. from true blue buckinghamshire to shropshire, we've heard time and again people feel they are taken for granted by borisjohnson and his government, and last night the win here in north shropshire sent a very clear message that enough is enough. and in 0swestry, voters seemed satisfied their voices had been heard. you know, ijust never thought it would happen, it's seismic. it's been a tory safe seat for 200 years, and they've gone. i think it says a lot about borisjohnson and i think people havejust had enough. i deliberately went out and voted for helen morgan because i wanted to give the government a kick in the teeth, basically, yes. so, yes, i'm very pleased. in the past, i've been more labour, but this time i've gone for lib dem, more because it was more - about the people rather than money and things like that. i'm hoping this will be a good step in the right direction. _ previously, i voted conservative. this time, notjust because she got in, ivoted liberal. i'm just not happy with boris or his government. so yeah, time for a change and somebody local. applause. the result of this closely fought contest came soon after 4am. the conservative candidate defeated and keen to get away. i'll repeat it again, i'm sure you will understand if we all get a bit of shuteye and i go and give my eight—week—old a bit of a cuddle. the prime minister can't hide from this — another damaging blow when his authority has already taken hit after hit. clearly the vote in north shropshire is a very disappointing result and i totally understand people's frustrations. i hear what the voters are saying in north shropshire, and in all humility i've got to accept that verdict. what people have been hearing is just a constant litany of stuff about politics and politicians, and stuff that isn't about them. with tactical voting at play, labour lost ground — leaving questions about their appeal. the liberal democrats, the nature of them, they are not a party, with respect, with any kind of strong idealogical moorings, that makes them a very potent by—election force — they can stand for one thing in one town and a different thing in the town next door. now, that's not the case for us, we're a party of government, we seek to run the whole country and form a government. after this contest in what was such safe tory territory, the political ground here has shifted overnight. jonathan blake, bbc news, north shropshire. let's talk to the political editor for bbc midlands — elizabeth glinka who is in 0swestry. she has been following this throughout, of course. so, just your assessment of the nature of this liberal democrat victory.- liberal democrat victory. yes, i think peeple — liberal democrat victory. yes, i think people here _ liberal democrat victory. yes, i think people here north - liberal democrat victory. yes, i - think people here north shropshire had almost taken themselves by surprise with this victory, as we were hearing, north shropshire up until yesterday a conservative majority of almost 23,000. that was all 0wen paterson got back in 2019. speaking to voters here today, they have said it has taken them by surprise as well. a lot of conservative voters think that they voted liberal democrat for the first time because they were dissatisfied. they wanted to send a message to the government, and it has to be said that whilst local issues had played a big part in this campaign, you know, that shouldn't be understated. there are big issues with access to services, particularly the nhs and things like ambulance waiting times because of the nature of the seat. at such a big rural area and it takes much longer to get to a lot of these services. there is no doubt that what has been happening in westminster has cut through. he talked to voters here this afternoon then they say, yes, they found it disgusting. they were upset by it, and they wanted to show boris johnson and the conservative party that they were not happy about it. clearly they have done that. i literallyjust clearly they have done that. i literally just got off a clearly they have done that. i literallyjust got off a phone call with helen morgan, the liberal democrat winnerjust a with helen morgan, the liberal democrat winner just a few with helen morgan, the liberal democrat winnerjust a few moments ago, and she said that actually committed was the events of the last week. this has been a tightly fight campaign. the liberal democrats have had a really good crack addict. they have poured people in from across the country canvassing in areas where people don't normally get political campuses, they don't get leaflets in the door. they have put a huge effort in, but helen said to me that she did feel in this last week, it was the events in westminster that had started to chime through with people here. it was coming up on every doorstep, every door they knocked on, and it hardened opinion against the government, and that is what has delivered this victory for the liberal democrats, ultimately. not just over the line as we might have expected, a comfortable majority of 6000. a huge shift which is going to be felt across the rest of this blue shire of which there are many in england. this will be feltjust like it's being felled here in north shropshire. it's being felled here in north shrapshire-— it's being felled here in north shroshire. ., . ., ., let's discuss what this result means with james johnson, who was pollster for theresa may when she was prime minister; he's co—founder of the polling company, jl partners. a very good evening to you. we heard it there, there were absolutely local issues. they did play a part, but what do you believe really swung it for the liberal democrats? to what extent was this a referendum on the prime minister? i what extent was this a referendum on the prime minister?— the prime minister? i think it was. obviously local _ the prime minister? i think it was. obviously local issues _ the prime minister? i think it was. obviously local issues always - the prime minister? i think it was. obviously local issues always play | the prime minister? i think it was. l obviously local issues always play a 0bviously local issues always play a factor, but this was actually probably a by election defined by national issues. if you look at the year of a by election where the conservatives last to liberal democrats. there were a unique local issues at play there. housing planning, hs two. there were some small local issues, but broadly speaking, the conversations that were coming up where about boris johnson's leadership and about those christmas parties. so i think this is very much a national result. i think that makes it more worrying for the conservatives. what think that makes it more worrying for the conservatives. what happens next? we are _ for the conservatives. what happens next? we are going _ for the conservatives. what happens next? we are going into _ for the conservatives. what happens next? we are going into christmas i next? we are going into christmas recess. there will be allowed for several weeks now. what happens behind the scenes among those backbench areas, the ones who are unhappy. how many of them do you feel there are?— feelthere are? well, i think there are uuite feelthere are? well, i think there are quite a — feelthere are? well, i think there are quite a few. _ feelthere are? well, i think there are quite a few. charles _ feelthere are? well, i think there are quite a few. charles barker, i feelthere are? well, i think there are quite a few. charles barker, a | are quite a few. charles barker, a conservative backbencher when i was doing radio earlier today saying to me you know, it's a pretty common held view amongst trade backbenchers that things very much do you need to change. i don't think we are going to be seeing him end action on leadership. i think conservative mps know that if they where to do that in the middle of a pandemic, in the middle of this latest wave of coronavirus, there would be a real sourjudgements, i think from the public, even more so than we saw last night. there are certainly a lot of frustrations, that was one of the biggest swings against the conservatives and by election history, and second largest swing from the conservatives towards the liberal democrats since 19115. i think there will be real pressure. there will be real pressure on boris johnson to change, and i think that's probably the right reading. 0ften posters say don't read too much into local by elections, they are small contests, they don't necessarily merit general action. here, we really do have a result with a serious wake—up call for the conservatives and borisjohnson. when you say pressure for boris johnson to change, what, policies, approach? what? are there things that he can do and will have to do now to quell the rest of mps that you are talking about there? i now to quell the rest of mps that you are talking about there? i think there is a concern _ you are talking about there? i think there is a concern about _ you are talking about there? i think there is a concern about strategic i there is a concern about strategic direction, people always talk about borisjohnson being an enforcer. 0ften borisjohnson being an enforcer. often when people talk about prime ministers meeting enforcers, it means to enforce things with their own staff, and mps to get the message across. borisjohnson needs that, but also sounds like boris johnson need someone to enforce borisjohnson to say no to him, to be able to get him into shape and follow his own strategy, so i think that's what conservative mps are looking for. they a compelling reason for why this government is in government. what is it trying to achieve. in the darkest days of david cameron, they were behind in the polls to labour. they had severe by election losses to labour in their parliamentary term. they managed to claw at the back and stay in power because they had a message to their mps and to voters that times will be tough but it would pay off in the end. we are not seen that with this government. we are not seen a reason for why they are unpopular. if the conservatives can find a way to put that across, they may well be able to weather the storm. at the moment, mps cannot see that. , ., ., ~ ., , ., that. interesting to talk to you. i'm sor that. interesting to talk to you. i'm sorry we — that. interesting to talk to you. i'm sorry we don't _ that. interesting to talk to you. i'm sorry we don't have - that. interesting to talk to you. i'm sorry we don't have longer, that. interesting to talk to you. - i'm sorry we don't have longer, but good to talk to you for now. thank you very much indeed. let's turn to the other of you very much indeed. let's turn to the othe ., ,., .., , you very much indeed. let's turn to the othe ., , ., ., the other of political news around here today- _ here today. it really is just developing in the last few minutes, the bbc has been told that the position of the cabinet secretary, simon case, as the man cabinet secretary, simon case, as the ma ., ., , ., ., the man reading that investigation into downing street christmas parties last year is now under consideration. the bbc understands invites were sent out for what was described as a "christmas party" on the 17th of december last year for members of simon case's private office. the snp's westminster leader ian blackford has written to the prime minister after reports of a party at mr case's office. this is all december of last year. let's try to unravel all of this and find out what we do now. let's get more on this from our political correspondent, nick eardley. trying to keep up with events, goodness, talk of so many parties, it's hard to keep track. explain what we are talking about here. good evenina. what we are talking about here. good evening- there _ what we are talking about here. good evening. there has _ what we are talking about here. (emf. evening. there has been a what we are talking about here. (ef>;f>f. evening. there has been a long list of party accusations in whitehall over the last couple of weeks, indeed over the last 2a hours or so. this one is about the private office of the cabinet secretary, simon case. now, the allegation is that there were e—mails sent out that were entitled christmas party for an event that took place on the 17th of december last year. we understand it was a quiz and that people who took part where those already in the office. they had drinks and something to eat at their desks. no full details of exactly what the government is going to say in response to this, but it's another one of those events that calls into question whether everybody in whitehall was following the rules that the people around the country were following. i think there's one that really, really matters, because simon case is the man who is in charge of the investigation into allegations of christmas parties in downing street. as you say, the snp had said that he should be stripped of oversight at the inquiry into christmas party allegations, and i think it looks increasingly untenable for him to stay in that position tonight. no confirmation from the government about what is going to happen next, but i think there will be a lot of pressure on downing street and on the cabinet office to answer the question over whether a simon case can actually independently look at all these accusations when his office is facing one as well.— accusations when his office is facing one as well. very quickly, where we _ facing one as well. very quickly, where we meant _ facing one as well. very quickly, where we meant to _ facing one as well. very quickly, where we meant to be _ facing one as well. very quickly, where we meant to be hearing i facing one as well. very quickly, i where we meant to be hearing the results of that investigation in the next couple of days? irate results of that investigation in the next couple of days?— results of that investigation in the next couple of days? we have never been uiven next couple of days? we have never been given a — next couple of days? we have never been given a firm _ next couple of days? we have never been given a firm date _ next couple of days? we have never been given a firm date for— next couple of days? we have never been given a firm date for when - next couple of days? we have never been given a firm date for when we| been given a firm date for when we would see that. there were some expectations that it might be towards the end of this week because of the end of the parliamentary term. i suspect we want to get it today now. in the big question is whether that inquiry as it was originally envisaged as it was announced by the prime minister to try to quell some of the claims and because he was facing, whether that inquiry can stand or whether someone else needs to be brought in now to oversee it. else needs to be brought in now to oversee it— else needs to be brought in now to oversee it. ., , ., oversee it. ok, next, many thanks. we will let — oversee it. ok, next, many thanks. we will let you _ oversee it. ok, next, many thanks. we will let you go _ oversee it. ok, next, many thanks. we will let you go and _ oversee it. ok, next, many thanks. we will let you go and get - oversee it. ok, next, many thanks. we will let you go and get more - we will let you go and get more reaction to all of that, and why you do, we can talk to ian blackford. we mention him from of the westminster leader of the smp, of course. good evening. what are you want? i leader of the smp, of course. good evening. what are you want? i think --eole are evening. what are you want? i think people are just _ evening. what are you want? i think people are just shocked. _ evening. what are you want? i think people are just shocked. when - evening. what are you want? i think people are just shocked. when you | people are just shocked. when you see that _ people are just shocked. when you see that the cabinet secretary, the man that _ see that the cabinet secretary, the man that was put in place to carry out an_ man that was put in place to carry out an investigation as to whether or not— out an investigation as to whether or not parties to place, whether or not covid — or not parties to place, whether or not covid rules were broken in number— not covid rules were broken in number ten, not covid rules were broken in numberten, we now not covid rules were broken in number ten, we now know that under his wetch— number ten, we now know that under his watch and his name, his staff were _ his watch and his name, his staff were invited to a christmas party. this is_ were invited to a christmas party. this is quite — were invited to a christmas party. this is quite extraordinary, and he would _ this is quite extraordinary, and he would it— this is quite extraordinary, and he would if i — this is quite extraordinary, and he would if i bet simon case would've put would if i bet simon case would've out his— would if i bet simon case would've put his hand up at the start of this process— put his hand up at the start of this process and — put his hand up at the start of this process and said he cannot carry out this investigation. it really is unacceptable, and i think when everyone — unacceptable, and i think when everyone is being told to behave and follow _ everyone is being told to behave and follow the _ everyone is being told to behave and follow the rules, another christmas, of course, _ follow the rules, another christmas, of course, where there is a real concern — of course, where there is a real concern about the spread of the omicron — concern about the spread of the omicron variants, when people see that there — omicron variants, when people see that there is one rule for those in number— that there is one rule for those in number ten, that there is one rule for those in numberten, one rule for that there is one rule for those in number ten, one rule for boris johnson — number ten, one rule for boris johnson and his cohorts. i think people — johnson and his cohorts. i think people are _ johnson and his cohorts. i think people are rightly angry. when they strayed _ people are rightly angry. when they strayed a _ people are rightly angry. when they strayed a couple of hours ago, what we didn't— strayed a couple of hours ago, what we didn't know where that invitations to a christmas party had been _ invitations to a christmas party had been sent— invitations to a christmas party had been sent out. the position of the cabinet _ been sent out. the position of the cabinet secretary is no longer tenable _ cabinet secretary is no longer tenable i_ cabinet secretary is no longer tenable. i have been calling over the course — tenable. i have been calling over the course of the last two weeks for boris _ the course of the last two weeks for borisjohnson to go the course of the last two weeks for boris johnson to go because the course of the last two weeks for borisjohnson to go because he has broken the — borisjohnson to go because he has broken the trust of the british people — broken the trust of the british people. in a time of crisis such as this _ people. in a time of crisis such as this he _ people. in a time of crisis such as this. he hasn't got the authority to take us— this. he hasn't got the authority to take us through this crisis. this is a government that is rotten to the corner. what needs to happen now, i've corner. what needs to happen now, we written — corner. what needs to happen now, i've written to the prime minister and asked — i've written to the prime minister and asked fred led to everything that's— and asked fred led to everything that's gone on around his christmas parties _ that's gone on around his christmas parties at _ that's gone on around his christmas parties at downing street. the net now, _ parties at downing street. the net now. i_ parties at downing street. the net now, i would have to suggest have sufficient _ now, i would have to suggest have sufficient evidence to go forward and look — sufficient evidence to go forward and look at this. look at the rule breaking. — and look at this. look at the rule breaking, look to see whether or not people have to be held to account for this _ people have to be held to account forthis. people, the public in general— forthis. people, the public in general are just amazed and gob smacked — general are just amazed and gob smacked at what they see he has been --oin smacked at what they see he has been going on— smacked at what they see he has been going on or— smacked at what they see he has been going on or with government, a government that is supposed to be giving _ government that is supposed to be giving us _ government that is supposed to be giving us instructions to keep safe and we _ giving us instructions to keep safe and we find that government itself could _ and we find that government itself could not— and we find that government itself could not make sure that they adhere to their— could not make sure that they adhere to their own— could not make sure that they adhere to their own rules. in could not make sure that they adhere to their own rules.— to their own rules. in terms of the secific to their own rules. in terms of the specific situation, _ to their own rules. in terms of the specific situation, the _ to their own rules. in terms of the specific situation, the one that's i specific situation, the one that's emerged in the last couple of hours, and reading the details as i'm talking to you, and i mean, there is more to be explained, isn't there? because about 15 people were invited, we understand, it's understood not everyone turned up. there is lots we don't know. do we know that it wasn't people sitting socially distance are having a zoom party? there are things we don't know in terms of this specific event, but i appreciate you talking about a broader picture and a day when we have seen what voters have decided to do in a by election. the simle decided to do in a by election. the simple fact — decided to do in a by election. the simple fact of the matter is there a systematic— simple fact of the matter is there a systematic evidence of multiple, let's be — systematic evidence of multiple, let's be clear, christmas parties taking _ let's be clear, christmas parties taking place with alcohol, with food. — taking place with alcohol, with food. at — taking place with alcohol, with food. at a _ taking place with alcohol, with food, at a time when the regulations are pretty— food, at a time when the regulations are pretty clear that these things should _ are pretty clear that these things should not be happening. what you've -ot should not be happening. what you've got is _ should not be happening. what you've got is a _ should not be happening. what you've got is a government that seems to be sticking _ got is a government that seems to be sticking two fingers up to the rest of us _ sticking two fingers up to the rest of us that— sticking two fingers up to the rest of us that can do as it pleases, but many— of us that can do as it pleases, but many people, because they wanted to protect— many people, because they wanted to protect their friends or family or relatives. — protect their friends or family or relatives, protect the nhs, did the right thing, people that lost loved ones through this crisis and are seeing — ones through this crisis and are seeing a — ones through this crisis and are seeing a government that behaved with a _ seeing a government that behaved with a cavalier attitude and carried on partying when everybody else recognised they had a responsibility to follow— recognised they had a responsibility to follow the rules. this simply is not acceptable. the prime minister's position— not acceptable. the prime minister's position is— not acceptable. the prime minister's position is untenable. there is certainly— position is untenable. there is certainly a _ position is untenable. there is certainly a very clear view of the by election— certainly a very clear view of the by election overnight. the position of the _ by election overnight. the position of the cabinet secretary has put himself— of the cabinet secretary has put himself up to mark his own homework. goodness _ himself up to mark his own homework. goodness gracious. this is a government that stinks of corruption. it stinks of sleeves. it's notjust estimates corruption. it stinks of sleeves. it's not just estimates the corruption. it stinks of sleeves. it's notjust estimates the rest corruption. it stinks of sleeves. it's not just estimates the rest of the behaviour we have seen from boris _ the behaviour we have seen from borisjohnson, a man that the behaviour we have seen from boris johnson, a man that we the behaviour we have seen from borisjohnson, a man that we know has misled — borisjohnson, a man that we know has misled parliament, that has found _ has misled parliament, that has found others that have paid for bills and — found others that have paid for bills and renovation at 10 downing street. _ bills and renovation at 10 downing street, that hands out membership of the house _ street, that hands out membership of the house of lords to those that -ive the house of lords to those that give donations to the tory party. this is— give donations to the tory party. this is a — give donations to the tory party. this is a government that does not know— this is a government that does not know how to behave into prime minister, frankly, that does not deserve — minister, frankly, that does not deserve to be in office, not fit for office. _ deserve to be in office, not fit for office. and — deserve to be in office, not fit for office, and if you had any self respect — office, and if you had any self respect and dignity, he would've recognised that he has to go take his cabinet secretary with them. in cabinet secretary with them. blackford, for now, thank you very much. the snp's westminster leader, of course, and there is clearly much, much more to come on that, much more reaction to, net, and as he will have gathered, still some clarity to emerge about all of that, and about what went on, what the invites are four of december the 17th last year during lockdown. there is a lot more to come and a lot more political reaction from all sides to all of that. we are keeping an eye on that. it is a fast—moving situation, but it is all linked to lockdown into covid, of course, let's turn our attentions to the health side of this, specifically, because the number of new coronavirus infections across the uk have reached another record high. a further 93,045 covid infections have been recorded in the latest 24—hour period. a further 111 deaths have been reported — that's those who've died within 28—days of a positive covid test. figures on boosters jabs have been delayed. cases continue to rise across the air but many health care system starting to come under pressure. the president of the european commission, ursula von der leyen said vaccination is the key to fighting 0micron. we know that our health care systems are overstretched right now, and this is partly linked to the large number of unvaccinated patients. so, in conclusion, the answer can only be to increase vaccination, to include children above five years old, boosting our protective measures — that has to be the answer we give to this new variant. let's talk a little bit more to the bbc�*s head of statistics. taking us back to the old days when it was so very hard to keep on top of the figures and to really understand the context of them, robert. such high numbers we are talking about here explaining exactly where we are, given that we have been told consistently this is a variance that is very, very transmissible. brute consistently this is a variance that is very, very transmissible. we can exect to is very, very transmissible. we can expect to see _ is very, very transmissible. we can expect to see record _ is very, very transmissible. we can expect to see record numbers - expect to see record numbers continuing into the future. that 90 something thousand that you read out a couple of minutes ago, that's gone up a couple of minutes ago, that's gone up sharply in the last two days and as long as we can keep on texting dashed testing people come forward, we will expected to go up. 0micron is punching through the very stable epidemic we had with delta around 50,000 cases for the last while. we are seeing it's particularly in london, particularly in scotland where omicron is, the majority, comfortable majority in cases. that will start to dominate the figure is more and more. there is good news in the figures, though. the death figure is slightly down. it's been flat or down over the last month, and we have been seen cases rising before the omicron wave came along. that's the effective picture showing through that booster doses do work and have kept the death rate down so far. the issue we have going forward is as we see more and more cases through in vast numbers coming through in vast numbers coming through in vast numbers coming through in the next few weeks, what does that mean in terms of sickness and illness? we don't have hard data on that yet. and illness? we don't have hard data on that et. . and illness? we don't have hard data on that yet-— on that yet. right, 'ust too early to have that. h on that yet. right, just too early to have that. cases _ on that yet. right, just too early to have that. cases rising - on that yet. right, just too early to have that. cases rising acrossj to have that. cases rising across the eu, across europe, but again, given everything we are discussing, presumably no surprise. you given everything we are discussing, presumably no surprise.— presumably no surprise. you are startin: presumably no surprise. you are starting to _ presumably no surprise. you are starting to see — presumably no surprise. you are starting to see some _ presumably no surprise. you are starting to see some countries i presumably no surprise. you are i starting to see some countries like spain really, really sharp spike in case numbers that we would associate with a very rapid doubling time of omicron, but not all countries have the same sequencing abilities that we have in the uk, so we are actually quite lucky to have pretty good data, advanced data on how fast omicron has been spreading, but we will see those numbers go forjust general case figures pretty widely pretty soon. it is spreading. roberts, thank you so much for now. thank you. some coronavirus restrictions are to be reintroduced in wales after boxing day, to try to slow the spread of the 0micron variant. from the 27th december, nightclubs will be closed and social distancing will be enforced in shops and offices. the night—time industries association has described the announcement as a "step too far", saying it will weaken already fragile trade in pubs and restaurants. here's our wales correspondent tomos morgan. after welcoming customers back less than six months ago, nightclubs will close once again in wales from december 27. a £60 million pot has been set aside to assist them, but it is a bitter blow for an industry already struggling. people go there in order to be up close and personal, and we know that 0micron is particularly likely to lead to superspreader events where people are packed in together in that way. as well as their closure, social distancing measures, the two—metre rule, will also be back in force from the 27th here. 0ne—way systems and a limit on numbers in shops will be back after christmas. up until then, strong guidance has been issued by the welsh government, advising lateral flows to be taken before people meet around the festive period. over the weekend and on monday, the welsh government cabinet will meet again to discuss whether or not measures need to be brought back in to put a maximum capacity on big crowds frequenting things like sporting events in the principality stadium and big concerts, as well. the first minister will also be speaking to the hospitality sector, suggesting that measures could be brought back in in pubs and restaurants, as well, in the near future. with four restaurants across cardiff and the surrounding area, the 44 group has already had over 3000 cancellations over december alone. any further restrictions on big groups, such as the rule of six, could have a big financial impact on many areas of hospitality, according to the group's co—founder. turning a profit, it wasn't really happening, anyway. but if you are cutting out groups of six and above, it is really damaging. currently there are no plans for rules on the number of people who can mix inside households. but with 0micron spreading so quickly, the first minister has yet again said further measures cannot be ruled out. tomos morgan, bbc news, cardiff. nicola sturgeon has revealed that 0micron has become the dominant covid variant in scotland — overtaking delta. the first minister said there were almost 700 confirmed cases, but that the real number was probably much higher. 0ur scotland correspondent alexandra mckenzie has more. nicola sturgeon had warned of a tsunami of cases, and she said we are beginning to see the effect of that tsunami yesterday. we had around 6000 covid cases. today, there were more than 4000, although, we do understand that is a bit of an underestimate and there has been an increase of 40% of cases in the last week. now, the first minister said she was appealing for people to go and get vaccinated. there was a record number of people vaccinated yesterday. she is also urging people, particularly in the run—up to christmas and after christmas to stay at home as much as possible, to limit your socialising. if you are socialising keep that up to a of three households. now, the first minister had said this is the cruellest of blows. she particularly mentioned businesses and she is due to speak to the prime minister later on this afternoon to ask for additional help financial help for businesses. alexander mackenzie there who is listening to the first minister in scotland. just to tell you that there is confirmation that there will be a cobra meeting this week and a. this follows a call between borisjohnson and nicola sturgeon and the prime minister confirms that this weekend it will involve counterparts from the devolved administrations to continue discussions about the uk response to the omicron variant. so, high—level meeting taking place all weekend about specifically the new variants. we will try to keep you up with all of that, that very fast—moving as well tonight. right now, we will pause and take a look at a few other stories making the news here this evening because a 27—year—old woman has been arrested on suspicion of child neglect after four children died in a house fire in south london. 60 firefighters went to a property in sutton yesterday evening — london fire brigade confirmed that the only people in the house when they arrived were two sets of twin boys, aged three and four. an investigation is under way to find out how the blaze began. helen wilkinson reports from the scene. the four little boys were in this terraced house alone when they were found by fire crews. twin brothers aged just three and four. this morning, they have been described by locals as lovely, polite and well mannered. really, really shocked, because it is quite a close community. and everyone sort of does know each other around here, a lot of the people. and it is absolutely devastating. the scale of the emergency response was huge — 60 firefighters and eight fire engines were deployed just before 7:00 last night. they were faced with intense flames when they got here, which ripped through the entire ground floor. the children were brought out of the property. firefighters carried out cpr until ambulances arrived. they were taken to two separate hospitals. it is there where the little boys died. our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of the four children and everyone who has been affected, including the local community. i know the area well, and it will hit them very hard this morning. emergency services are used to dealing with difficult incidents, but this in particular, involving four little boys, has been felt deeply. they did everything they possibly could, even travelling to the hospital in the ambulances so cpr could continue on the way there. 0ur crews who attended are now being supported by a counselling and well— being service to ensure that they have the necessary support. we will be providing support to the local community. friends and local people have been coming here to leave flowers and teddies at the scene. nursery teachers came earlier too and were clearly distressed. they said that two of the boys who attended the nursery had their christmas presents waiting for them. westbourne primary school, where the four—year—old twins attended, said the school and its entire community are devastated at the news of the tragic loss of the four children. a 27—year—old woman is in custody, having been arrested on suspicion of child neglect. at the scene, investigators are trying to find out how the fire started, as this community comes to terms with such a tragic loss of the four little boys days before christmas. helena wilkinson, bbc news, sutton. much more coming up in the next half an hour. now it's time for a look at the weather with stav danaos. hello there. many parts of the country have had a lovely day with sunshine, but elsewhere we have hung onto the cloud. the stagnant weather comes about because of this area of high pressure still with us, still pretty much sitting on top of the uk, so wind will remain light throughout the day and temperatures reach highs of around seven to maybe ten or 11 in the mildest spots. 0vernight, we hold on to a lot of cloud across southern and western areas, again, where we have clear skies in scotland and northern england, we will see the lowest temperatures, a touch of frost, perhaps mist and fog patches by the end of the night, further south, thicker cloud lows of six to eight. the weekend, we held onto the area of high pressure, mainly dry and mostly cloudy, the odd sunny spell here and there, turning cooler as we had three sunday. you can see double—figure valleys on saturday, starting to drop down a bit across the country during the course of sunday. this is bbc news. the headlines... victory for the liberal democrats in the north shropshire by—election. they call it a watershed moment as they overturn a conservative majority of 23,000. if north shropshire have spoken on behalf of the british people, the people north shropshire have spoken on behalf of the british people, they have said loudly and clearly, "borisjohnson, the party is over. "your government, run on lies and bluster, "will be held accountable. "it will be scrutinised, it will be challenged "and it can and will be defeated." it's the seventh biggest by—election swing in modern political history. the prime minister has accepted personal responsibility for his party's defeat. i hear what the voters are saying in north shropshire, and in all humility, i've got to accept that verdict. borisjohnson is facing calls to remove his cabinet secretary, simon case, who's leading an inquiry into downing street christmas parties after it was alleged parties were held in his own department. in other news, the uk has reported more than 93,000 new coronavirus cases — the highest daily number since the start of the pandemic. much more coming up in this half hour, including the film review. mark will be with me, but right now, we will catch up with all the latest sports news with lizzie greenwood—hughes. sport's battle against the current covid situation is intensifying, with football particularly affected by postponements. the premier league are due to meet on monday to discuss how they can react to the number of games off and deal with fixture congestion. as it stands, four of tomorrow's six premier league matches have been postponed, leaving only leeds v arsenal and aston villa against burnley. and it's even worse in the efl, with 19 games off over the weekend. the reason is mainly due to outbreaks in playing squads, but manchester city manager pep guardiola had to cancel his press conference today whilst he waits for the results of a pcr test. plenty of other premier league managers have been speaking, though. in terms of competition, two things. one, we need much more clarity. why 0ne, we need much more clarity. why those games are getting not played and why do we need not to play a game, so we are playing in the same league. the most important thing is that we are able to maintain within the context, the competition, and for me, this is a big thing. it's probably a knife edge, would be my verdict — it's probably a knife edge, would be my verdict. when you start losing players _ my verdict. when you start losing players to — my verdict. when you start losing players to covid, i think the worry for me _ players to covid, i think the worry for me is— players to covid, i think the worry for me is the competition becomes slightly— for me is the competition becomes slightly unfair. and i don't think anyone — slightly unfair. and i don't think anyone wants to see that. i think that's— anyone wants to see that. i think that's the — anyone wants to see that. i think that's the biggest thing want to people — that's the biggest thing want to people -- — that's the biggest thing want to people —— they want to see a fair league — people —— they want to see a fair league. they don't want to see disparity— league. they don't want to see disparity in players missing. i know we all— disparity in players missing. i know we all want — disparity in players missing. i know we all want the product to continue. but i we all want the product to continue. but i do _ we all want the product to continue. but i do think the welfare of the players has to come first and the support has to come first. meanwhile next week's �*battle of the brits' — tennis exhibition has been postponed due to the pandemic and the weekend's european rugby union matches have been hit hard by new travel restrictions in france. seven games due to be played between french and british teams this weekend have been postponed. two games were affected by player outbreaks — tournament organisers of the games can be played at a later date. inter milan have announced christian eriksen's contract has been terminated by mutual consent. eriksen hasn't played since he collapsed during denmark's euros match against finland injune. it was recently revealed that he'd started training again on his own at a local club in denmark, but there's been no confirmation over whether or where eriksen will resume his career. hejoined interfrom tottenham injanuary last year. ben stokes says england are not beaten yet. that despite another dominant performance by australia on day two of the second ashes test. the aussies shrugged off the england attack, eventually declaring on 473 for nine — marnus labuchangne top scoring on 103. in reply, a weary england lost two early wickets — both openers going cheaply as they struggled under the flood lights. they were saved any potential further wickets by a lightning storm which forced them to close early on 17—2. so, england face a huge battle to avoid going to 2—0 down in the best of five series. stokes is looking to the team batting and daylight. it’s stokes is looking to the team batting and daylight. it's been a tou~h batting and daylight. it's been a tou . h two batting and daylight. it's been a tough two days- _ batting and daylight. it's been a tough two days. we _ batting and daylight. it's been a tough two days. we spent - batting and daylight. it's been a tough two days. we spent a - batting and daylight. it's been a tough two days. we spent a lot| batting and daylight. it's been a i tough two days. we spent a lot of time _ tough two days. we spent a lot of time out — tough two days. we spent a lot of time out in — tough two days. we spent a lot of time out in the _ tough two days. we spent a lot of time out in the field. _ tough two days. we spent a lot of time out in the field. but- tough two days. we spent a lot of time out in the field. but it - tough two days. we spent a lot of time out in the field. but it was . time out in the field. but it was nice _ time out in the field. but it was nice to — time out in the field. but it was nice to get _ time out in the field. but it was nice to get off— time out in the field. but it was nice to get off the _ time out in the field. but it was nice to get off the field - time out in the field. but it was nice to get off the field at - time out in the field. but it was nice to get off the field at the i time out in the field. but it was . nice to get off the field at the end and watch — nice to get off the field at the end and watch the guys _ nice to get off the field at the end and watch the guys go _ nice to get off the field at the end and watch the guys go out - nice to get off the field at the end and watch the guys go out and - nice to get off the field at the end i and watch the guys go out and back. obviously. _ and watch the guys go out and back. obviously. we — and watch the guys go out and back. obviously, we came _ and watch the guys go out and back. obviously, we came off— and watch the guys go out and back. obviously, we came off pretty- obviously, we came off pretty strange — obviously, we came off pretty strange circumstances. - obviously, we came off pretty strange circumstances. but. obviously, we came off prettyl strange circumstances. but we obviously, we came off pretty- strange circumstances. but we get to turn up _ strange circumstances. but we get to turn up tomorrow— strange circumstances. but we get to turn up tomorrow under _ strange circumstances. but we get to turn up tomorrow under natural - turn up tomorrow under natural light. _ turn up tomorrow under natural light. which— turn up tomorrow under natural light. which i_ turn up tomorrow under natural light, which i think— turn up tomorrow under natural light, which i think and - turn up tomorrow under natural light, which i think and you - turn up tomorrow under naturall light, which i think and you guys probably— light, which i think and you guys probably agree. _ light, which i think and you guys probably agree, is _ light, which i think and you guys probably agree, is the _ light, which i think and you guys probably agree, is the easiest. light, which i think and you guys. probably agree, is the easiest and best time — probably agree, is the easiest and best time to — probably agree, is the easiest and best time to be _ probably agree, is the easiest and best time to be a _ probably agree, is the easiest and best time to be a batter— probably agree, is the easiest and best time to be a batter plate. - meanwhile, england have named a 17—player squad for their bid to regain the women's ashes in australia. they will be captained by heather knight, who says they will have to "fight fire with fire" as australia have held the ashes since 2015. the multi—format series begins in canberra on the 27th ofjanuary, and for the first time, england are also travelling with a 12—strong �*a' squad, with the possibility of players being promoted if they impress. that's all the sport for now. you can find more on all those stories on the bbc sport website. that's bbc.co.uk/sport. that includes all those covid cancellations. that's it from me. thanks very much, lizzie. a man who stabbed to death one of the uk's richest men in what police described as a "ferocious" attack has been found guilty of murder. a man has been given three mandatory life sentences and ordered to serve a minimum of 40 years, after being convicted of murdering his newborn baby girl and toddler son, and six years later, killing his new partner. jordan monaghan murdered two of his children — ruby, who was just 24 days old, and logan, just 21 months old — by smothering. he also killed his new partner, evie adams, with a drugs overdose six years later in 2019. let's get more from kelly foran, the social affairs correspondent from the bbc�*s north west tonight. absolutely grim story again tonight. one of the many unfortunately that we fear that we are covering at the moment. explain more about this case and some of what the judge has said. absolutely. it's a real timeline of events that happened here because the first of these murders was back in 2013, jordan monaghan has been found guilty of murdering two of his children. when we say children, they were babies. ruby wasjust children. when we say children, they were babies. ruby was just 24 days old. she was downstairs in her basketin old. she was downstairs in her basket in the early hours of new year's day when she was smothered. her mother was asleep upstairs and came down to find her dead. logan was yet to turn two years old when his daddyjordan took him swimming. thejury heard they his daddyjordan took him swimming. the jury heard they never actually got in the pool at all, thatjordan suffocated logan in the changing rooms. he then pushed him home in his pram and left him. he told the mothers that he was asleep downstairs. leaving her to discover the body. he thought he had committed the perfect crimes and got away with it because of the time, there was no explanation to how these children's had died. back in 2013, jordan monaghan spoke to newspapers and pose for pictures, talking to them about losing two of his children and such a smart space of time. in 2016, a third child, also collapsed whilst alone in the presence ofjordan monaghan. he was also found guilty of the attempted murder of that child, who collapsed on two separate occasions. police started to piece together by this point something wasn't right, and they opened an investigation into those deaths. in 2018, jordan was arrested. he was released on bail when his then girlfriend, evi adams, also died. today, jordan monaghan has been found guilty of her murder. in her case, she wasn't the mother of those children. he bought online at a cocktail of drugs and gave it to her over a number of days, and she collapsed. he left her alone and took her phone and found somebody else to find her body. in the case of adams, he had forged a suicide note, but is hampering were on that. throughout this trial, the jury heard how debt was at the centre. in each case, just before these incidents, there were arguments with his girlfriend. that he could it face the rejection from his partners so he did it for my attention. he showed no emotion that he was caught and he was sentenced to a minimum of 40 years. and he was sentenced to a minimum of 40 ears. , . ~' ,, just to bring you an update related to covid. we are just hearing some new figures in terms of hospital admission. there are 65 people in hospitals across the uk now with the omicron variant. that is a new figure. 65 people in hospitals up and down the uk. the number of people who have died with this variance is confirmed as... i'm just being told those aren't specifically for england —— those are. that is the current figure as it stands. a few more stories and briefs. rail fares are set to rise 3.8%. the increase, which is tied to july's inflation figures, usually takes effect in january, but is being delayed in england until march to give more passengers the chance to renew their season tickets at 2021 prices. the uk has signalled that it would accept a role for the european court ofjustice in the administration of the northern ireland protocol. british negotiators are also said to be willing to adopt a staged approach to settling issues arising from the protocol, rather than reaching one comprehensive deal. the talks with the eu are finishing today for christmas and resume in the new year. our europe correspondent, jessica parker, explained why the television presenter aj 0dudu has pulled out of tomorrow night's strictly come dancing final after suffering an injury. she said she was "deeply upset" that she wouldn't be able to perform because of a torn ligament in her right ankle. in a tweet, she wished the remaining finalists, john and johannes and rose and giovanni, good luck. she said she'd be cheering them on — on one leg. the headlines on bbc news... the conservatives lose the north shropshire by—election and a seat they held for nearly 200 years to the liberal democrats, in the seventh biggest by—election swing in modern political history. borisjohnson is facing calls to remove cabinet secretary simon case, who's leading an inquiry into downing street christmas parties after it was alleged parties were held in his own department. the uk has reported a record 93,000 new covid—19 cases — the highest since the start of the pandemic. coming up in sportsday, we'll look back on another difficult day for england and the second ashes test. we will also have the latest on covid—19's impact on football. we'll