household energy prices could rise by up to 50% by next spring — the warning from the energy sector, amid calls for the government to step in. the west end star having to self—isolate with covid for a second christmas in a row — we talk to people who're having to adapt their plans at the last minute. and coming up in sportsday later in the hour on the bbc news channel... more boxing day matches are off due to covid, but should games go ahead at all with managers worried about player's welfare? good evening, and welcome to the bbc news at six. it's the first official government data on the impact of the omicron variant. almost a month after the first omicron cases were confirmed in the uk, preliminary research suggests that someone infected with omicron variant, rather than delta, is up to 45% less likely to attend a&e, and up to 70% less likely to be admitted to hospital. but there is concern about how long the boosterjab provides extra protection against omicron. these early findings suggest the boosterjab begins to wane after ten weeks — giving about 15 to 25% less protection. our medical editor fergus walsh has been looking at the findings. between 30 and a0. these are the ages of some of the people fighting for their lives on a covid ward. not one of them has been vaccinated against covid—19. a powerful illustration of the dangers feasting the unvaccinated, —— facing the unvaccinated and the pressures on nhs staff, filmed in the intensive care unit of royal liverpool hospital, where four out of five covid patients are notjabbed. the intensive care society said at least two thirds of covid patients were unvaccinated, in 12 out of 16 critical care units it contacted in england. it critical care units it contacted in encland. , ., ., , ., england. it is not for us to 'udge --eole england. it is not for us to 'udge people who i england. it is not for us to 'udge people who haven't been h england. it is not for us to judge - people who haven't been vaccinated, it is for us to look after them as well as we can, but it's very sad when people come into hospital who haven't been vaccinated. they are very unwell and they asked to have the vaccine then, which of course they can't, because you have to get better from covid before you can they can't, because you have to get betterfrom covid before you can be vaccinated. better from covid before you can be vaccinated. . ., . ., vaccinated. evidence that omicron causes milder— vaccinated. evidence that omicron causes milder disease _ vaccinated. evidence that omicron causes milder disease has - vaccinated. evidence that omicron causes milder disease has been i causes milder disease has been reinforced by preliminary analysis from the uk health security agency. it suggests that someone infected with omicron is 30 to a5% less likely to attend a&e, compared to a delta patient, and between 50 and 70% less likely to be admitted to hospital. but the extra protection that the boosterjab gives against the infection does wayne more rapidly against omicron van delta, being about 15 to 25% lower ten weeks after the boosterjab. it weeks after the boosterjab. it shows that people with omicron have a reduced _ shows that people with omicron have a reduced risk of hospitalisation, compared — a reduced risk of hospitalisation, compared to delta. now, it's very early— compared to delta. now, it's very early days, — compared to delta. now, it's very early days, only a small number of individuals. — early days, only a small number of individuals, about 100 were admitted to hospital— individuals, about 100 were admitted to hospital with omicron in this period. — to hospital with omicron in this period, but nonetheless, it is the first signs — period, but nonetheless, it is the first signs of cautious optimism we have had _ first signs of cautious optimism we have had for a while.— have had for a while. is daily cases hit another — have had for a while. is daily cases hit another new— have had for a while. is daily cases hit another new record, _ have had for a while. is daily cases hit another new record, uk - hit another new record, uk researchers estimate that half of people with cold like symptoms actually have coronavirus. the number of nhs staff off work because of covid has risen by more than 50% in the past week in england to nearly 19,000. in the past week in england to nearly19,000. in london, the epicentre of the omicron outbreak, it's more than doubled to nearly a000. it's more than doubled to nearly 4000. ,, ., ~ ., ., , 4000. the nhs workforce was already under pressure — 4000. the nhs workforce was already under pressure before _ 4000. the nhs workforce was already under pressure before omicron - 4000. the nhs workforce was already under pressure before omicron came l under pressure before omicron came along, _ under pressure before omicron came along, there — under pressure before omicron came along, there is — under pressure before omicron came along, there is increased _ under pressure before omicron came along, there is increased pressure i along, there is increased pressure as we _ along, there is increased pressure as we are — along, there is increased pressure as we are seeing _ along, there is increased pressure as we are seeing in _ along, there is increased pressure as we are seeing in many- along, there is increased pressure i as we are seeing in many workforces at the _ as we are seeing in many workforces at the moment, _ as we are seeing in many workforces at the moment, especially— as we are seeing in many workforces at the moment, especially someone| at the moment, especially someone needs— at the moment, especially someone needs to _ at the moment, especially someone needs to isolate _ at the moment, especially someone needs to isolate if _ at the moment, especially someone needs to isolate if they— at the moment, especially someone needs to isolate if they have - at the moment, especially someone needs to isolate if they have a - needs to isolate if they have a positive — needs to isolate if they have a positive case, _ needs to isolate if they have a positive case, but— needs to isolate if they have a positive case, but some - needs to isolate if they have a positive case, but some of. needs to isolate if they have a | positive case, but some of the recent— positive case, but some of the recent moves— positive case, but some of the recent moves we've _ positive case, but some of the recent moves we've had, - positive case, but some of the recent moves we've had, for. positive case, but some of the - recent moves we've had, for moving from _ recent moves we've had, for moving from io-dav— recent moves we've had, for moving from io-dav to — recent moves we've had, for moving from 10—day to seven—day— recent moves we've had, for moving from 10—day to seven—day isolationl from 10—day to seven—day isolation if you _ from 10—day to seven—day isolation if you take — from 10—day to seven—day isolation if you take tests _ from 10—day to seven—day isolation if you take tests in _ from 10—day to seven—day isolation if you take tests in the _ from 10—day to seven—day isolation if you take tests in the last - from 10—day to seven—day isolation if you take tests in the last two - if you take tests in the last two days, _ if you take tests in the last two days, i— if you take tests in the last two days. ithink— if you take tests in the last two days, i think all— if you take tests in the last two days, i think all of _ if you take tests in the last two days, i think all of this - if you take tests in the last two days, i think all of this will- if you take tests in the last two. days, i think all of this will help. but the — days, i think all of this will help. but the ten _ days, i think all of this will help. but the ten day _ days, i think all of this will help. but the ten day isolation - days, i think all of this will help. but the ten day isolation rule . days, i think all of this will help. but the ten day isolation rule isl days, i think all of this will help. i but the ten day isolation rule is to remain in wales. the welsh government said it wanted to put the brakes on omicron as much as possible. scotland and northern ireland are also keeping ten day quarantine, for now. night clubs in scotland are to close for at least three weeks from 27th december, after fresh restrictions were put on large events and hospitality venues earlier this week. in wales, night clubs will close after boxing day, and no more than six people will be allowed to meet in pubs, cinemas and restaurants. no new measures have been announced for england, but the prime minister has said he can't rule out further restrictions after christmas. fergus walsh, bbc news. covid cases have surged to a new record today. there were almost 120,000 new infections recorded in the latest 2a—hour period. the average over the past week is nearly 97,000 new cases every day. the number of people in hospital with covid is 8,216, but that does not include the latest figures in england. 1a7 deaths were recorded, that's of people who died within 28 days of a positive test. and 112 covid—related deaths were recorded on average every day in the past week. on vaccinations, just over 8a0,000 people had their boosters yesterday, meaning on average almost 887,000 people had a booster every day in the past week. more than 31.6 million people have had a booster — that's 55.1% of the population, aged over 12. our medical editor fergus walshjoins us now. give us your assessment on this new data from the government. weill. give us your assessment on this new data from the government.— data from the government. well, i think it's very _ data from the government. well, i think it's very encouraging, - data from the government. well, i | think it's very encouraging, indeed. there's a lot of uncertainty. it is preliminary analysis, but it chimes with the evidence we had from south africa, from scotland and from england, three different pieces of research yesterday that all point to omicron causing less severe disease than delta. so that's really positive, but it comes on a day when we had nearly 120,000 cases of covid, another new record, and even if only a small proportion of those end up in hospital, that can end up putting a lot of pressure on the nhs, and we are seeing rising numbers in omicron, rising numbers of hospital admissions in london, which has borne the brunt so far of the omicron wave. but there's also the omicron wave. but there's also theissue the omicron wave. but there's also the issue of people getting this cold like illness with omicron, getting a mild illness. so many people now are isolating at home, that that is going to have an impact on public services and on the nhs in the weeks ahead.— on public services and on the nhs in the weeks ahead. fergus walsh, our medical editor— the weeks ahead. fergus walsh, our medical editor thank— the weeks ahead. fergus walsh, our medical editor thank you. _ and the bbc has launched an nhs tracker, so you can find out how your local services are coping in england, wales and scotland. it'll run throughout the winter. you can find out more at bbc.co.uk/nhstracker. russia's president has again insisted that the west must give russia guarantees that nato won't expand eastwards and admit ukraine as a member. vladimir putin rejected accusations that russia is preparing to invade ukraine, after amassing thousands of troops on the border between the two countries. during his annual press conference, he said any expansion by nato would be a threat to russia's long—term security. our moscow correspondent steve rosenberg reports. it's the most wonderful time of the year, if you happen to like long news conferences. vladimir putin's end of year press briefing is always a marathon affair. forfour end of year press briefing is always a marathon affair. for four hours, the kremlin leader fielded questions, and he used the event to vent his resentment at how nato enlarged after the fall of the soviet union. translation: irate enlarged after the fall of the soviet union. translation: we won't move one east — soviet union. translation: we won't move one east towards _ soviet union. translation: we won't move one east towards the _ soviet union. translation: we won't move one east towards the east, - soviet union. translation: we won't move one east towards the east, they| move one east towards the east, they told us in the 1990s, and what happened? they deceived us. they brazenly tricked us. there were five waves of nato expansion, and now missile systems are appearing in romania and poland. is missile systems are appearing in romania and poland.— romania and poland. is this russia's resonse? romania and poland. is this russia's response? a — romania and poland. is this russia's response? a build-up _ romania and poland. is this russia's response? a build-up of— romania and poland. is this russia's response? a build-up of russian - response? a build—up of russian troops near ukraine's border. the kremlin denies it plans to invade, but this is pressure, and on the west too, as moscow demands an end to nato enlargement and nato military activity in eastern europe, what it calls security guarantees. you must give us guarantees, you must do it, immediately, now. we won't be palmed off with decades of idle chatter about the need of security for all while the other side carries out its own plans. vladimir putin spoke for a long time, but gave little away about his intentions, regarding ukraine, about whether, as the west fears, he is planning a large—scale military operation there. but what we do know now is that next month, us and russian officials will sit down to discuss the security guarantees that moscow is demanding, so there's still hope for a diplomatic resolution. vladimir putin has done 17 of these press conferences now as president. you need plenty of stamina to do this, and to listen to it, and since all main tv channels in russia show it live, it is wall—to—wall putin, a reminder, as if russians didn't need it, who's in charge here. steve rosenberg, news, moscow. russia has said it is not to blame for europe's gas price crisis. there has been a new warning from the organisation representing gas suppliers here in the uk — that gas and electricity bills could rise by as much as 50% next year, unless the government steps in. that's because the cost of gas on the wholesale markets — where providers get their supplies — hit new record levels this week. our consumer affairs correspondent colletta smithjoins me now. how quickly will people start feeling the impact of those rise in prices? feeling the impact of those rise in rices? , �* , prices? sophie, we're feeling these rice rises prices? sophie, we're feeling these price rises in _ prices? sophie, we're feeling these price rises in all— prices? sophie, we're feeling these price rises in all kinds _ prices? sophie, we're feeling these price rises in all kinds of— prices? sophie, we're feeling these price rises in all kinds of areas. - price rises in all kinds of areas. it's worth remembering that lots of our power stations across the uk are actually fuelled by gas, like this one behind me, to produce electricity, which is why we are talking about price rises in gas and electricity. businesses are already paying those high prices, and they're passing that on to us as customers by charging us more for pretty much everything we are buying at the moment. but households are being shielded, quite effectively at the moment, because of the price cap. now, it might not feel like it, because it went up dramatically in the autumn, to around £120 for an average household. that was a big increase. but that price is now fixed for the next six months, it's not going to be until april until we see a another change, but unfortunately it is only going in one direction, because of this increase in wholesale prices now, which will fuel a rise in the spring. this is an international crisis, in terms of energy, it's not just the uk, but there are things that the government here could do, like cutting vat on energy, or changing the way that we are all paying the cost of those failed energy suppliers over the last couple of months. the government are under increasing pressure to make sure that households are better protected next year, because so many are already suffering this increase over the winter. the last few years have seen a boom in the popularity of e—scooters. but if you're thinking of getting one for christmas, make sure you know the rules. police forces across the uk are reminding people that while its legal to buy one, it's illegal to ride it on public land — so roads and pavements — and they have the right to seize and destroy them. jo black reports. if you're thinking of buying someone their own e—scooter this christmas, this is where it could end up, if they are caught riding it in the wrong place. the only e—scooters allowed on public highways are the rental scooters from approved operators taking part in the government trial across england. privately owned ones can only be used on private land, if the landowner consents. mate, 'ust pull over their full — landowner consents. mate, 'ust pull over their full stop * landowner consents. mate, 'ust pull over their full stop on h landowner consents. mate, 'ust pull over their full stop on an _ landowner consents. mate, just pull over their full stop on an e-scooterl over their full stop on an e-scooter o eration over their full stop on an e-scooter operation with _ over their full stop on an e-scooter operation with police _ over their full stop on an e-scooter operation with police in _ over their full stop on an e-scooter i operation with police in birmingham, we meet stephen crowley.— operation with police in birmingham, we meet stephen crowley. £600, £1200 for the two of — we meet stephen crowley. £600, £1200 for the two of them. _ we meet stephen crowley. £600, £1200 for the two of them. i _ we meet stephen crowley. £600, £1200 for the two of them. i think _ we meet stephen crowley. £600, £1200 for the two of them. i think they - for the two of them. i think they are brilliant. he for the two of them. i think they are brilliant.— for the two of them. i think they are brilliant. ., , ,., , ., are brilliant. he has bought his own scooter and — are brilliant. he has bought his own scooter and is _ are brilliant. he has bought his own scooter and is pushing _ are brilliant. he has bought his own scooter and is pushing it, _ are brilliant. he has bought his own scooter and is pushing it, so - scooter and is pushing it, so not doing anything wrong on this occasion. when you bought it, when you told we could use it? hot you told we could use it? not reall , you told we could use it? not really, we — you told we could use it? not really, we didn't _ you told we could use it? not really, we didn't enquire, butjust finding _ really, we didn't enquire, butjust finding it — really, we didn't enquire, butjust finding it out, they shouldn't be allowed — finding it out, they shouldn't be allowed to sell something you can't use. ,, , , ., ., ., , ., ., use. stephen is among many who argue amon: the use. stephen is among many who argue among the rental— use. stephen is among many who argue among the rental trials are _ among the rental trials are confusing people. but retailers we have spoken to say they provide clear and visible information so customers understand the legal restrictions. james holbrook from bristol dislocated his shoulder when two primary school age children riding a private e—scooter crashed into him as he was cycling home. i into him as he was cycling home. i think anything that gets people out of cars— think anything that gets people out of cars is— think anything that gets people out of cars is a — think anything that gets people out of cars is a good _ think anything that gets people out of cars is a good thing. _ think anything that gets people out of cars is a good thing. there - of cars is a good thing. there should — of cars is a good thing. there should be _ of cars is a good thing. there should be some _ of cars is a good thing. there should be some regulation. i should be some regulation. people that aren't — should be some regulation. people that aren't aware _ should be some regulation. people that aren't aware of _ should be some regulation. people that aren't aware of what _ should be some regulation. people that aren't aware of what the - should be some regulation. people that aren't aware of what the rules| that aren't aware of what the rules are, or— that aren't aware of what the rules are, or choose _ that aren't aware of what the rules are, or choose to _ that aren't aware of what the rules are, or choose to ignore _ that aren't aware of what the rules are, or choose to ignore them, - that aren't aware of what the rules| are, or choose to ignore them, are not really— are, or choose to ignore them, are not really being _ are, or choose to ignore them, are not really being enforced. - are, or choose to ignore them, are not really being enforced.- not really being enforced. calls to leualise not really being enforced. calls to legalise private _ not really being enforced. calls to legalise private e-scooters - not really being enforced. calls to legalise private e-scooters are . legalise private e—scooters are growing, and a decision could be taken by the government next year. the department for transport says safety is a top priority, and the rental trials across england will allow an understanding of the benefits and impact of this new form of transport. many say e—scooters provide a fun, convenient, greener way to travel, but if you miss youse a privately owned one, it could, in the end, be a very expensive journey. jo black, bbc news. a long—lost episode of the morecombe and wise show has been discovered by eric morecombe's son in the family home's attic. the giants of light entertainment in the 1960s and '70s, almost 30 million people would tune in to watch their christmas specials. now the newly discovered episode is being shown in colour for the first time on christmas day. here's a sneak preview. on radio: now, ladies and gentlemen, | our mystery voice competition stands l at £85, and we are ringing up tonight's contestant to see i if he can guess who the voice is. and the name on the card is mr eric morecambe. - hello, mr morecambe? hello? hello! are you there, mr morcambe? are you there, mr morecambe? yes! speak up! speak up, please! speak louder! no, no! on the telephone! on the telephone? _ hello! no, no! wait for it to ring? ring! phone rings hello! hello, mr morecambe? hello! mr morecambe... _ yes, that's true, that's true! mr morecambe. .. yes, that's me. --for £85--- _ oh, yes? ..do you have any idea whose voice this is? �*, i. ., ., and you can see that episode, 1970: the lost tape at 7:a5pm on christmas day on bbc two. the duke and duchess of sussex have released the first picture of their baby daughter lilibet, saying she "made us a family". the couple's "family holiday" card shows them at their home in california with six—month—old lilibet, who was born injune, and their two—and—a—half—year—old son archie, a rare public glimpse of the toddler. the queen will be spending christmas day with prince charles and the duchess of cornwall at windsor castle. like millions of other people, covid has forced her to change her plans at the last minute. our correspondent andrew plant has been talking to people whose christmas once again won't be quite what they were expecting. what's the date today? it's the 23rd. the traditional countdown to christmas, but in the hodgson household, it's indoorfun in the flat only for the next few days. coronavirus means all of their plans have been cancelled. i haven't had any fresh air. this is the most fresh air i've had since friday. tell us why. when did you find out what happened? we managed to stave it off for this long, and then, just as christmas hit. we were really looking forward to spending time with our families. covid's meant all kinds of cancellations. over 30 west end shows have had performances called off. just to give you a quick shot of my little table for christmas. a case of here we go again for mamma mia actor stephen beckett, isolating for the second christmas in a row. everyone else will be sitting in there. everything was going well — it sold out, ticket sales are enormous, a huge christmas extra show schedule has been put in place — and then, along comes omicron! we had no positive cases on monday. by friday, three quarters of the cast were positive! as far as i'm aware, i'm the only person who's isolating from covid. for richard, down in company over christmas will be by video call only, alone in student halls after a positive testjust before he was supposed to travel home. a normal christmas day would mean waking up early in the morning, going downstairs, opening christmas presents. this year, i'll be on my own instead, so will probablyjust crack on with some university work. there have been just a few nice surprises, though, too. sherry and kate did face isolating indoors on christmas day... fresh air! can't wait to go for our walk. ..but rules changed, and they're finally able to step outside. so, you had it snatched away from you, then suddenly, you were given it back, almost like a christmas present. how does it make you feel? it is quite a gift, it really is. we were just so happy to be able to come outside for christmas and have christmas back. negative tests on day six and seven mean the 25th can now include a walk outside at least. andrew plant, bbc news. time for a look at the weather. here's helen willetts. it has certainly been my order today, all of the air moving in off the atlantic today. with it a lot of cloud and rain but the cold air is never too far away and it will dig its heels in across the northern half of the country as we head into the christmas weekend. at the moment, as the rain petered out away from scotland and under the ridge of high pressure it turns foggy, but you can see we do have snow across the highlands of scotland, in fact several centimetres building up overnight. it could be a little bit icy and wintry over the tops here. further south, icy and wintry over the tops here. furthersouth, more icy and wintry over the tops here. further south, more likely we will see patchy fog and that is worth bearing in mind if you are heading out onto the roads for christmas travel tomorrow, but it is relatively mild in southern areas with the risk of ice and snow further north where the cold air stays with us. it is a drier picture tomorrow for parts of scotland and you have that cold air coming into the north, some brightness and sunshine. the fog takes a while to clear elsewhere, then we have our next weather front coming in across the south—west, moving in later in the south—west, moving in later in the afternoon to the evening, and thatis the afternoon to the evening, and that is with our milder atlantic air. further north though it is still pretty chilly so we have the battleground going on, but at the moment it looks as if the white christmas may be reserved for the tops of the pennines and the hills of scotland because the mild air is still enveloping most as we go into christmas day. there could be some smattering of rain across the pennines and north wales mountains, the best of the brighter weather likely to be further north and east and that is where it likely to be further north and east and that is where it will likely to be further north and east and that is where it will stay likely to be further north and east and that is where it will stay most chilly as well. helen, thank you. that's all from the bbc news at six, so it's goodbye from me, you are watching the bbc news. it was christmas eve last year that britain and the eu finally managed to agree the trade and cooperation agreement that now governs most trade between us in the brexit era. now, a year on, our economics editor faisal islam has been to speak to a number of business owners to get a picture. a battle of wills, a precision wrestle. at times during the first year of the post—brexit trade deal, it's felt like the uk and the eu have not stopped the fight. with exporters such as this equipment and video producer, who feel like they're the ones left on the floor. rubbish. i'd like someone to see some upside, but there isn't one. overall, uk exports to the eu are down 12% in the first ten months of the year on pre—pandemic levels in 2019. uk imports from the eu are down further, 20% on that year. in addition, eu figures show tariffs have been applied on over £10 billion of exports. this means for some exporters, the deal has not been zero tariffs. it’s some exporters, the deal has not been zero tariffs.— been zero tariffs. it's not true for us here. been zero tariffs. it's not true for us here- i — been zero tariffs. it's not true for us here. i mean, _ been zero tariffs. it's not true for us here. i mean, why— been zero tariffs. it's not true for us here. i mean, why would - been zero tariffs. it's not true for us here. i mean, why would it. been zero tariffs. it's not true for. us here. i mean, why would it cost you 178 euros to accept delivery in italy? you 178 euros to accept delivery in ital ? ~ , , ., you 178 euros to accept delivery in ital? ~ , , ., you 178 euros to accept delivery in ital? , , ., , italy? ministers would say it comes from this warehouse _ italy? ministers would say it comes from this warehouse because - italy? ministers would say it comes from this warehouse because it - from this warehouse because it doesn't count?— from this warehouse because it doesn't count? that's right. some laces doesn't count? that's right. some places seem _ doesn't count? that's right. some places seem to — doesn't count? that's right. some places seem to be _ doesn't count? that's right. some places seem to be more _ doesn't count? that's right. some places seem to be more difficult l doesn't count? that's right. some| places seem to be more difficult to get things empty than others. these came back last week.— came back last week. boxes of exorts came back last week. boxes of exp°ft5 being _ came back last week. boxes of exports being returned - came back last week. boxes of exports being returned and - exports being returned and businesses expense, costing time and effort. other exporters who we spoke to, for example, this fish company, have been struggling to cope. now say they found a way through. things a massively improved. _ say they found a way through. things a massively improved. i— say they found a way through. things a massively improved. i think- say they found a way through. things a massively improved. i think to - say they found a way through. things a massively improved. i think to sayl a massively improved. i think to say things— a massively improved. i think to say things are _ a massively improved. i think to say things are perfect, i don't think they'll— things are perfect, i don't think they'll ever be. i think it's potentially something we've got to live with _ potentially something we've got to live with. ,, ., potentially something we've got to live with. , ., , potentially something we've got to livewith. , ., , ., , live with. some sharp export falls this ear, live with. some sharp export falls this year, such — live with. some sharp export falls this year, such as _ live with. some sharp export falls this year, such as in _ live with. some sharp export falls this year, such as in the - live with. some sharp export falls this year, such as in the car- this year, such as in the car industry. could almost be attributed to global pandemic factors rather than brexit. helped confirmed nissan upon my commitment to sunderland. although the first year of global britain trading outside of the european union has avoided some of the dramatic worst—case scenarios, there has been a clear hit in the trade figures that goes beyond what you would expect —— nissan's commitment. in the export of food and animal products, they've gone well beyond teething problems. for the government, they played these down, but privately, british exporters have got to get used to a new reality that there is a customs border with the eu. in birmingham, exactly the sort of british manufacturers the government want to encourage. eskimo is developing green radiators for heating your home. almost everywhere, exports are booming. home. almost everywhere, exports are boominu. . ., , home. almost everywhere, exports are boominu. . .,, ., , , booming. trade with europe dropped off a cliff. that's _ booming. trade with europe dropped off a cliff. that's not _ booming. trade with europe dropped off a cliff. that's not a _ booming. trade with europe dropped off a cliff. that's not a pandemic- off a cliff. that's not a pandemic effect? if off a cliff. that's not a pandemic effect? if it _ off a cliff. that's not a pandemic effect? if it is, _ off a cliff. that's not a pandemic effect? if it is, why— off a cliff. that's not a pandemic effect? if it is, why does - off a cliff. that's not a pandemic effect? if it is, why does it - off a cliff. that's not a pandemic effect? if it is, why does it only| effect? if it is, why does it only a- -l to effect? if it is, why does it only apply to europe? _ effect? if it is, why does it only apply to europe? if _ effect? if it is, why does it only apply to europe? if we - effect? if it is, why does it only apply to europe? if we want. effect? if it is, why does it only apply to europe? if we want to | apply to europe? if we want to operate — apply to europe? if we want to operate in _ apply to europe? if we want to operate in that _ apply to europe? if we want to operate in that market, - apply to europe? if we want to operate in that market, then. apply to europe? if we want to. operate in that market, then we apply to europe? if we want to - operate in that market, then we have to open— operate in that market, then we have to open a _ operate in that market, then we have to open a plant— operate in that market, then we have to open a plant somewhere _ operate in that market, then we have to open a plant somewhere on - operate in that market, then we have to open a plant somewhere on the i to open a plant somewhere on the continent? — to open a plant somewhere on the continent? . , ., to open a plant somewhere on the continent? ., , ., ., to open a plant somewhere on the continent?— to open a plant somewhere on the continent? ., , ., ., continent? had you have the same tradin: continent? had you have the same trading arrangements _ continent? had you have the same trading arrangements as _ continent? had you have the same trading arrangements as last - continent? had you have the same trading arrangements as last year| trading arrangements as last year that could have happened... it that could have happened... it would've happened. after- that could have happened... it would've happened. after a i that could have happened... it. would've happened. after a year, particularly _ would've happened. after a year, particularly for — would've happened. after a year, particularly for smaller _ would've happened. after a year, particularly for smaller business | particularly for smaller business exporters to europe, global britton remains a work in progress. faisal islam, bbc news. more on coronavirus now, and a major new analysis shows that people catching the new omicron variant are 50%—70% less likely to need hospital care compared with other strains. the uk health security agency also found that the vaccine's ability to stop you catching omicron starts to wane ten weeks after a booster dose. their chief medical adviser, dr susan hopkins, explained what this means for individuals. i think this is cautious, this is a sign as an individual, your risk of severe disease is potentially reduced. however, we've got very high amounts of infection, and so the more infections that we have circulating, the more people that will get admitted to hospital. that doesn't change any of the advice that's been given, that really is... take a lateral flow, that's been given, that really is... take a lateralflow, make that's been given, that really is... take a lateral flow, make sure you get vaccinated and boosters, and think about things cost initially. the infections have really high levels across the uk at the moment. there's also some data on the booster and the effect of protecting against symptoms might wane after ten weeks. can you tell me more about that?— ten weeks. can you tell me more about that? ~ �* ., , ., ., ., about that? we've released data to show that the _ about that? we've released data to show that the impact _ about that? we've released data to show that the impact of _ about that? we've released data to show that the impact of the - about that? we've released data to | show that the impact of the booster and vaccination comparing omicron again with delta was less, in those first two to ten weeks after you've had your vaccine, you get a really high level and it brings you back up to 70-80% high level and it brings you back up to 70—80% effectiveness. what we're highlighting is as you move away from that booster, the immunity starts to wane. at least measured immunity. of course, we know that the vaccine effectiveness is much higher, and this doesn't change our recommendation to get vaccinated and booster, but we need to look carefully. just because you had you booster, don't throw caution into the wind. ~ ., ., , ., ., the wind. what does it mean for eo - le the wind. what does it mean for people who _ the wind. what does it mean for people who might _ the wind. what does it mean for people who might be _ the wind. what does it mean for people who might be concerned| the wind. what does it mean for i people who might be concerned they had their booster eight to ten weeks ago? is there anything they should do differently? i ago? is there anything they should do differently?— do differently? i don't think so. keep doing _ do differently? i don't think so. keep doing those _ do differently? i don't think so. keep doing those lateral- do differently? i don't think so. keep doing those lateral flows, i keep doing those lateral flows, keeping cautious. remember that you could get the infection anyway, but we still believe all of those people who have been vaccinated and boostered are protected. so, my view is that this is something we will have to watch very carefully and something that highlights the importance of having more vaccinations ready for the future, but not right now. and i don't think any of the changes our current campaign to get people vaccinated and boostered.— campaign to get people vaccinated and boostered. ,., ., ., , ., and boostered. good that these mean vaccine numbers _ and boostered. good that these mean vaccine numbers fall _ and boostered. good that these mean vaccine numbers fall or _ and boostered. good that these mean vaccine numbers fall or a _ and boostered. good that these mean vaccine numbers fall or a different i vaccine numbers fall or a different strategy? ! vaccine numbers fall or a different strate: ? ~ ~' ., vaccine numbers fall or a different strate: ? ~' ,, ., ., strategy? i think we will know more about what vaccinations _ strategy? i think we will know more about what vaccinations we - strategy? i think we will know more about what vaccinations we should i about what vaccinations we should have and win in the future. when we think about vaccinations, this is our first think about vaccinations, this is ourfirst time being exposed think about vaccinations, this is our first time being exposed to this. it isn't that surprising that we've seen changes. we know manufacturers are already thinking about different ways to make different types of vaccines, and maybe we need to look at an alternative vaccine in the future or alternative vaccine in the future or a combination vaccine based on the various variants that we've seen. all of those things are for the spring to summer, not right now. none of that changes.— spring to summer, not right now. none of that changes. when will you have that key _ none of that changes. when will you have that key information _ none of that changes. when will you have that key information about, i none of that changes. when will you have that key information about, is i have that key information about, is this going to end up with lots of people in hospital? brute this going to end up with lots of people in hospital?— this going to end up with lots of people in hospital? we are watching hospitalisations _ people in hospital? we are watching hospitalisations daily. _ people in hospital? we are watching hospitalisations daily. we've - people in hospital? we are watching hospitalisations daily. we've now. hospitalisations daily. we've now got 300 confirmed cases with omicron and the nhs today. that number keeps going up. but it's going up slower than we expected it to, which is the good news. we will continue to much over the next 7—10 days, and every extra day gives us more knowledge about whether this is going to cause severe problems —— continue to wash. it all comes back to our individual behaviours and how we can slow the spread of this virus. you are watching the bbc news. hello, i'm olly foster. here's what's coming up on sportsday. more matches are called off becasue of covid, with player welfare a concern in those matches that do go ahead we'll get the latest ashes news from australia ahead of england's must—win boxing day test. and we'll hear from the ice queen...eve muirhead after her teams nailbiting olympic qualification. this is definitely the