until the 17th of january. these changes are significant and we are not completely without risk. however, at the stage of the pandemic, we do strike an appropriate balance between the continued importance of self isolation and embracing the chance of transmission and self isolation in the economy. tennis star novak djokovic�*s entry into australia on a vaccine excemption has been delayed due to issues with the visa submitted on his behalf. and black lives matter protestors who toppled a statue of slave trader, edward colston, have been found not guilty of causing criminal damage. hello and welcome to bbc news. the prime minister has told mps that he plans to stick to plan b coronavirus measures in england for at least another three weeks. he said people should carry on working from home, wearing face coverings on public transport and in indoor public spaces and taking a test before going to high risk venues or meeting the elderly or vulnerable. it comes despite figures from the office for national statistics showing an estimated 3.7 million people in the uk had covid in the week ending december 31 — the highest number since data collection began in autumn 2020. today's latest covid figures show the uk has reported a further 194,747 new cases. the prime miniser also confirmed that from 4am on friday, passengers travelling to england will no longer be required to take a pre—departure covid test — and the requirement to self—isolate on arrival until receipt of a negative pcr test will be dropped. rules on testing for coronavirus are also changing for people in england, scotland and wales, so that positive lateral flow test results no longer need to be confirmed by a pcr test, if the person has no symptoms. and in scotland, nicola sturgeon has announced that the isolation period will be cut from to seven days from ten from midnight tonight if people have negative lateral flow tests for the last two days, and have no fever. first, let's go over to westminster to our political correspondent jonathan blake. to our political correspondent jonathan blake.— to our political correspondent jonathan blake. , . , ., . jonathan blake. this was a defence ofthe jonathan blake. this was a defence of the government's _ jonathan blake. this was a defence of the government's strategy - jonathan blake. this was a defence i of the government's strategy against the 0micron variant of coronavirus most recently, and also a confirmation of what were fairly why the child new measures and changes —— trialed. the prime minister said cases of the 0micron variant were continuing to rise rapidly. 0f cases of the 0micron variant were continuing to rise rapidly. of most concern, he said, was the number of cases that we would see among older age groups and the numbers that would end up in hospital. the extent of that has not yet become fully clear. he did say that we do not need to shut down our country again and said the government was taking a balanced approach, defending the plan b measures which have been kept in place as of today, requiring masks and various indoor public settings asking people to work from home where possible, and also exiting passports —— vaccine passports. there are changes to the testing requirements for people to coming in the uk. also changes to the testing regime as normal, as the prime minister confirmed and outlined in the house of commons of. thanks to the size of the wave, we still need — thanks to the size of the wave, we still need to — thanks to the size of the wave, we still need to take steps to ensure our capacity reaches those who need it most, _ our capacity reaches those who need it most, so _ our capacity reaches those who need it most, so we will suspend the need to do— it most, so we will suspend the need to do a _ it most, so we will suspend the need to do a pcr _ it most, so we will suspend the need to do a pcr to confirm the result of a positive _ to do a pcr to confirm the result of a positive lateral flow test. from next _ a positive lateral flow test. from next tuesday in england, if you test positive, _ next tuesday in england, if you test positive, you should record that result_ positive, you should record that result on— positive, you should record that result on gov.uk and began self—isolating. result on gov.uk and began self-isolating.— result on gov.uk and began self-isolating. result on gov.uk and began self-isolatinu. �* , , . self-isolating. there's been much talk in recent _ self-isolating. there's been much talk in recent days _ self-isolating. there's been much talk in recent days about - self-isolating. there's been much talk in recent days about the - talk in recent days about the availability of lateral flow tests, and how hard it has been for some people to get hold of them. we've also seen changes to the arrangement for sending lateral flow tests directly to certain essential workers to ensure that they can test themselves regularly and isolate for no longer than they have to. this was something that the labour deputy leader picked up on. she was standing in first year court —— max—theurer keir starmer who tested positive —— server keir starmer. she said the government has been asleep at the wheel —— sir. she said the government was struggling to stay afloat. its struggling to stay afloat. its welcome that the government is requiring — welcome that the government is requiring daily— welcome that the government is requiring daily testing _ welcome that the government is requiring daily testing to - welcome that the government is requiring daily testing to create i requiring daily testing to create nationai— requiring daily testing to create national infrastructure, - requiring daily testing to create national infrastructure, but - requiring daily testing to create national infrastructure, but this will begin— national infrastructure, but this will begin until— national infrastructure, but this will begin until next _ national infrastructure, but this will begin until next week- national infrastructure, but this will begin until next week and i national infrastructure, but this . will begin until next week and our essential— will begin until next week and our essential services _ will begin until next week and our essential services are _ will begin until next week and our essential services are buckling. essential services are buckling under— essential services are buckling under the _ essential services are buckling under the pressure _ essential services are buckling under the pressure right- essential services are buckling under the pressure right now. | under the pressure right now. doctors. _ under the pressure right now. doctors, nurses, _ under the pressure right now. doctors, nurses, tears- under the pressure right now. doctors, nurses, tears and i under the pressure right now. - doctors, nurses, tears and teachers and pupils— doctors, nurses, tears and teachers and popiis cant— doctors, nurses, tears and teachers and popiis can't get— doctors, nurses, tears and teachers and pupils can't get the _ doctors, nurses, tears and teachers and pupils can't get the test - doctors, nurses, tears and teachers and pupils can't get the test they i and pupils can't get the test they need _ and pupils can't get the test they need emergency— and pupils can't get the test they need. emergency workers - and pupils can't get the test they need. emergency workers are . need. emergency workers are reportedly— need. emergency workers are reportedly stuck— need. emergency workers are reportedly stuck in _ need. emergency workers are reportedly stuck in isolation l reportedly stuck in isolation because _ reportedly stuck in isolation because they— reportedly stuck in isolation because they can't - reportedly stuck in isolation because they can't get - reportedly stuck in isolation because they can't get theiri reportedly stuck in isolation - because they can't get their hands on a test — because they can't get their hands on a test so— because they can't get their hands on a test so why _ because they can't get their hands on a test. so why did _ because they can't get their hands on a test. so why did the - because they can't get their hands on a test. so why did the health . on a test. so why did the health secretary— on a test. so why did the health secretary claim _ on a test. so why did the health secretary claim on _ on a test. so why did the health secretary claim on the - on a test. so why did the health secretary claim on the 13th - on a test. so why did the health secretary claim on the 13th of. secretary claim on the 13th of december that _ secretary claim on the 13th of december that there - secretary claim on the 13th of december that there is - secretary claim on the 13th of december that there is no - secretary claim on the 13th of- december that there is no shortage of actuat— december that there is no shortage of actual tests? _ december that there is no shortage of actual tests? why— december that there is no shortage of actual tests? why was _ december that there is no shortage of actual tests? why was the - of actual tests? why was the government's— of actual tests? why was the government's delivery- of actual tests? why was the l government's delivery service allowed — government's delivery service allowed to— government's delivery service allowed to go _ government's delivery service allowed to go on _ government's delivery service allowed to go on holiday - government's delivery service allowed to go on holiday over| allowed to go on holiday over christmas _ allowed to go on holiday over christmas would _ allowed to go on holiday over christmas would know- allowed to go on holiday over- christmas would know contingency plans _ christmas would know contingency plans in _ christmas would know contingency plans in place _ christmas would know contingency plans in place. the _ christmas would know contingency plans in place. the government. christmas would know contingencyl plans in place. the government has been _ plans in place. the government has been asleep — plans in place. the government has been asleep at _ plans in place. the government has been asleep at the _ plans in place. the government has been asleep at the wheel _ plans in place. the government has been asleep at the wheel and - plans in place. the government has been asleep at the wheel and the l been asleep at the wheel and the result— been asleep at the wheel and the result is— been asleep at the wheel and the result is a — been asleep at the wheel and the result is a total _ been asleep at the wheel and the result is a total shambles. - as was illustrated in the house of commons, as mps were turned to westminster, the government's position has hardened since before christmas, and there is now the approach that there is no need for further restrictions in england, no need for tighter restrictions unless something changes drastically in the days and weeks ahead. the government believes that we can write out this current wave without any further measures. but that doesn't come without its costs, and it does come amid continuing on sustained pressure on the nhs. how well hospital scope with the rising number of cases and staff shortages will be one key test of the government's strategy and the approach. it's one that labour will hold them to account over.- hold them to account over. many thanks for _ hold them to account over. many thanks for all that. _ the latest estimate suggests that 3.7 million people in the uk had covid last week — up from 2.3 million over the previous seven days. today's latest covid figures show the uk has reported a further i9a,747 new cases. let's speak to our health correspondent nick triggle. that's a big drunk. -- jump. could that's a big drunk. -- “ump. could be sloping — that's a big drunk. -- “ump. could be sloping and h that's a big drunk. -- “ump. could be sloping and at _ that's a big drunk. -- jump. could be sloping and at some _ that's a big drunk. -- jump. could be sloping and at some point - be sloping and at some point peaking. i'm afraid and today's figures, there's no such sign with the office for national statistics showing a big rise on the week before. if we look at today's daily cases, people who have come forward, over 194,000 cases, the second highest on record. yesterday, it was nearly 220,000, including several days worth of data. we really can't read anything into that. there's a very high number of deaths reported today, 334. i would caution that is related to reporting delays. we sold the number of deaths dropped fairly significantly. some of this is catching up on that. but i think we've got to expect that the number of people dying will go up because the numbers of people in hospital has risen again and england. 0ver has risen again and england. over 15,600. that's doubled injust under a week. in scotland, that's doubled in just over a week. even faster rate of increase in scotland. band rate of increase in scotland. and . iven rate of increase in scotland. and given those _ rate of increase in scotland. and given those figures and given the prevalence of covid, there are all sorts of pressures on hospitals. there are. in england, we know at least ten trust have declared critical incidents since christmas. this was really an internal warning to the local system. they're on the brink of struggling to provide priority sources like emergency care. it's a warning that they need staff to be redeployed and to help out. we know and greater manchester, they started cancelling non—urgent surgery, although they are prioritising cancer and cardiac care. it's interesting listening to the mayor andy burnham, who highlighted wanted to problems, that care homes are really full staff absences. it's affecting their ability to take patients from hospital. he says half of care homes cannot take any patients from hospital, and i think this is a problem we will find out more about tomorrow will be get some new figures about the problems hospitals are facing. discharging patients, we're seeing numbers go up, even though admissions to hospital are relatively flat. it seems hospitals have a big problem discharging patients as well as pressures from the number of covid patients. hick. the number of covid patients. nick, thank ou the number of covid patients. nick, thank you very _ the number of covid patients. nick, thank you very much. _ as we've been hearing, passengers travelling to england will no longer be required to take a pre—departure covid test and the requirement to self—isolate on arrival until receipt of a negative pcr test will be dropped. paul charles is chief executive of the travel consultancy, the pc agency. hejoins us on he joins us on the line now. good afternoon. he joins us on the line now. good afternoon-— afternoon. good afternoon. presumably. _ afternoon. good afternoon. presumably, this _ afternoon. good afternoon. presumably, this is - afternoon. good afternoon. presumably, this is good i afternoon. good afternoon. i presumably, this is good news afternoon. good afternoon. - presumably, this is good news that we welcome. for presumably, this is good news that we welcome-— presumably, this is good news that we welcome. for once, it's fantastic news for the — we welcome. for once, it's fantastic news for the travel _ we welcome. for once, it's fantastic news for the travel sector. - we welcome. for once, it's fantastic news for the travel sector. we've i news for the travel sector. we've had nearly two years of borders being closed, testing in place, interruptive travel plans, people frightened and scared and emotionally distressed, as well as financially put out, to go away. these changes today signal something pretty dramatic, i think. they are a sign of more stability and they will undoubtedly put more confidence back into consumers and their booking habits. �* , ., ., ~' into consumers and their booking habits. �* , ., ., ,, ., habits. and when you talked to consumers. — habits. and when you talked to consumers, what _ habits. and when you talked to consumers, what was - habits. and when you talked to consumers, what was the - habits. and when you talked to consumers, what was the main sticking point? was at the cost of having to both these tests —— macbook these tests or the bureaucracy?— macbook these tests or the bureaucra ? , bureaucracy? there were three things in particular- — bureaucracy? there were three things in particular. the _ bureaucracy? there were three things in particular. the first _ bureaucracy? there were three things in particular. the first being _ bureaucracy? there were three things in particular. the first being there - in particular. the first being there frightened of testing positive abroad when taking the predeparture test. they were nervous that they would turn positive and have to quarantine for two weeks at their own cost. secondly, it was the pfaff and the hassle of organising tests, and the hassle of organising tests, and of course, the cost. the odorous and far to sky heights cost of testing. —— sky—high. they found they were £500 added to the cost of their holiday. and finally, it was self—isolation. why would you go away and find yourself having to self—isolate waiting for your results to come back? in some cases, it was four or five days. all of those were barriers which put off people from booking.— those were barriers which put off people from booking. could i get you to comment — people from booking. could i get you to comment on _ people from booking. could i get you to comment on a _ people from booking. could i get you to comment on a statement - people from booking. could i get you to comment on a statement released by the travel association? abta welcome the changes, but they also say the damage has already been done because this is usually the peak booking season for summer holidays and most people will have been put off. what's your reaction to that? i think the damage was done over christmas and new year's, because that's a period when travel firms rely on bookings to come through, and people travelling at that time to see family and friends. that's been lost and that has been very damaging to the travel sector overall. but actually, i think this is really good news now. i think it will be the confidence boost. we're going back to measures that were less in place in october, and we saw the travel sector starting to recover then. the travel sector starting to recoverthen. ijust the travel sector starting to recover then. i just agree with that term. i think this is very promising for 2022. we now need the government to say that they will keep these rules in place or take away the final barrier, that lateral flow test, on day two, and when that goes, you'll then —— you're then back to normality. we're almost there and i think consumers will be thinking, they can see light at the end of the tunnel. i thinking, they can see light at the end of the tunnel.— thinking, they can see light at the end of the tunnel. i suppose there's not to be end of the tunnel. i suppose there's got to be confidence _ end of the tunnel. i suppose there's got to be confidence amongst - end of the tunnel. i suppose there'sl got to be confidence amongst people who want to travel, that they can travel safely, and if levels of covid are still high in other countries. not not necessarily going to be the case. it’s countries. not not necessarily going to be the case-— to be the case. it's a good point, but we don't _ to be the case. it's a good point, but we don't control— to be the case. it's a good point, but we don't control the - to be the case. it's a good point, but we don't control the barriers| to be the case. it's a good point, l but we don't control the barriers of other countries. let's be clear though you uk government have set the tone for how other governments have acted. when your government moves swiftly, which was to be praised, at the end of november, other countries immediately followed in putting barriers in place to travel. i think we'll now see other governments see what's happened and say, "we can also dilute the number of restrictions in place." you will see that next week with france taking away the ban on uk travels coming into france, which will be welcomed by many people. i think we're on an upward curve, which is very positive for once.— we're on an upward curve, which is very positive for once. good to talk to ou. very positive for once. good to talk to you- paul _ very positive for once. good to talk to you. paul charles _ very positive for once. good to talk to you. paul charles there. - the welsh government has made a similar move to ministers at westminster. from tomorrow, people in wales who have no covid symptoms — but have had a positive lateral flow test result — will no longer be advised to book a follow—up pcr test to confirm they have the virus. according to the health minister, eluned morgan, the change is being made to ease the demand for pcr tests. nicola sturgeon has announced that the isolation period in scotland will be cut from to seven days from ten as of midnight, if people have negative lateral flow tests for the last two days, and have no fever. the first minister,who said there'd been an 87% increase in new reported covid cases in the last week, said it was important to try to minimise pressure on the nhs. the initial advice when someone test positive _ the initial advice when someone test positive will still be to self—isolate for ten days. there will be — self—isolate for ten days. there will be a — self—isolate for ten days. there will be a now auction to end isolation _ will be a now auction to end isolation after seven days as long as you _ isolation after seven days as long as you firstly have no fever and record — as you firstly have no fever and record two _ as you firstly have no fever and record two negative lateral flow test -- — record two negative lateral flow test —— option. another at least 24 hours _ test —— option. another at least 24 hours after— test —— option. another at least 24 hours after that. let's speak to david wallace lockhart in glasgow. david, interesting situation because an increase in scotland of new reported covid cases, a big increase. but at the same time, a reduction in the period of time people are being asked to self—isolate. explain that. people are being asked to self-isolate. explain that. we're seeinu self-isolate. explain that. we're seeing bigger— self-isolate. explain that. we're seeing bigger figures _ self-isolate. explain that. we're seeing bigger figures than - self-isolate. explain that. we'rei seeing bigger figures than we've seenin seeing bigger figures than we've seen in scotland. we had record figures on monday, but there's not the same trend when it comes to hospitalisation numbers. a big aspect of the problem is in people isolating. the train services are now running on timetables, and there's problems with the ferries going out. so, the decision has been made by the scottish government it will take effect from midnight to bring scotland in line with the other uk nations, meaning if someone test positive for covid, but come day six and seven, they have negative lateral flow tests, they can end isolation early. also a change for household contacts, who no longer have to isolate. they have to do daily lateral flow tests. i think the idea there is to try and keep public services working, keep the economy working while hoping that the train doesn't get too steep when it comes to hospitalisation �*s. thanks very much. the health such strattera is giving an update. let's listen in. —— health secretary. i have absolute faith in our teaching communities. teachers, classroom assistants, nursery providers, heads and lecturers, all education settings have worked miracles, miracles throughout this pandemic and continue to do so. to ease some of the burden, there will also be a short breakfrom the burden, there will also be a short break from 0fsted inspections during the first week of term. 0fsted will also encourage settings that have been hit badly by covid related stuff, ask since it is to after a just absences to ask for a deferral in planned inspections. we will work with suppliers agencies to make sure schools can continue to function, and that we prioritise children's learning in face—to—face and of course in the face of staff absences. last november, we reopened the covid workforce fund, and we are extending this to the february half term to support schools that are facing the greatest staffing and funding pressures. buti facing the greatest staffing and funding pressures. but i would just like to write now be crystal clear about one thing, madam deputy speaker, and that is, we must do everything, everything in our power, to keep all education in a settings open and teaching in person. face—to—face education is the best way for children and young people to learn, and develop. you do not have to be the education secretary to know this. teachers know it, parents know this. teachers know it, parents know it, and kids know it is better than any one of us. i would now like to outline of the additional measures we have put in place to make it possible, and at the same time limit the spread of infection. 0n the 26th of november, every single nursery, school, college and university were invited to other supplies of lateral flow tests, and will have received their allocation of the 31 million tests in advance of the 31 million tests in advance of their pupils, students and staff are turning through a dedicated supply channel. because of this, all our education and childcare settings are already well prepared for the start of this term. because we know that one of the most effective weapons in our covid arsenal is a robust testing programme. all secondary schools were asked to provide one on—site test for pupils at the start of term, they are getting on with thatjob right now, and i thank them for it. all college and i thank them for it. all college and university students, adult staff, had been asked to self—test at home before returning to the classroom. secondary, college and university students and education staff and childcare staff should then continue to test themselves at least twice a week. if any school or couege least twice a week. if any school or college runs out of testing kits, they can order more through the usual online ordering channel, or call 119 to continue to receive guidance. we continue to offer international students to the united kingdom, and support in the students are required to quarantine on arrival. 0verseas students should not worry because these are concessions remain in place for international students to allow them to study remotely until april six of this year. the best way people can safeguard themselves and their families is by getting jammed. the british public have responded magnificently, with around 60% having received all three jabs. we want to make sure that everyone gets vaccinated as soon as possible, which is why i have been urging parents to get the second doses for 12 to 15—year—olds that are now on offer. the clinic appointments for both doses on the nhs booking service, and any children who are at risk in the five to 11 age group can also get a jab by the middle of this month. there will also be a vaccination service in schools for those children who are eligible for jabs beginning on monday. we have already delivered more than 350,000 carbon dioxide ministers, which settings are found extremely helpful in managing ventilation. teachers have told us that they are finding the monitor is helpful to manage ventilation, and in the majority of settings, existing ventilation measures are properly adequate for thejob. forthe measures are properly adequate for thejob. for the very measures are properly adequate for the job. for the very few cases where maintaining good ventilation is more challenging, we are sending out up to 8000 air cleaning units from next week, alongside other protective measures such as testing, vaccinations and better hygiene. these will help to manage transmission and keep settings open. i would like now to turn to the subject of face coverings, to keep as many people as possible learning in school and college and higher education, we have said that his confidence should be worn in classrooms and teaching spaces for pupils and students in year seven or above. we would not normally expect teachers to wear face coverings in face coverings —— in classrooms if they are at the front of the class delivering a lesson. i know this is something people feel very strongly about, and some people have said that we are wrong to do it. i am going to do this again and now, we follow the data. the uk hsa have said this will help reduce transmission at a time when rates of infection are so high with the 0micron variant. my department has also looked at some observational data from a sample of 122 schools were face coverings had been in use in the autumn term, and found that there was a greater reduction in a covid absence compared to those where students did not wear face coverings. 0bviously where students did not wear face coverings. obviously it is not ideal, it is distracting for children at a time when they should be concentrating or listening to their teachers. be concentrating or listening to theirteachers. i be concentrating or listening to their teachers. i also know that it isn't great for any child's well—being, and i have commissioned staff from my department to conduct further research to better understand the negative impacts of face coverings on education, along with publishing the initialfindings on this today. but i have to strike a balance, madam deputy speaker, between the vital need to keep schools open and reducing the spread of infection. as the honourable memberfor of infection. as the honourable member for stoke of infection. as the honourable memberfor stoke on also of infection. as the honourable member for stoke on also rightly pointed out in his article for the times, facemasks, and i quote are a price worth paying to keep kids where they belong, in the classroom. truth for the shortest possible time, not a day more, that is what we will recommend, it is a sensible pragmatic and proportionate thing to do. i will be reviewing this on the 26th of january, when do. i will be reviewing this on the 26th ofjanuary, when i hope that data will allow us to ditch masks in class. 0ur young people have put up with an awful lot over the past two years. by doing everything that has been asked of them, they will have sacrificed many other things that all of us here took for granted when we were growing up. i am determined that whatever precautions we have to take now, we take them for the shortest possible time so that children can get back to the life they should be leading and the one that they deserve. we all owe it to this generation to give them the world—class education they deserve. for this reason, i commend this statement to the house. that was the education secretary updating mps as pupils go back to school. any viewers who want to continue watching that, you can do so on bbc parliament. running through the list of measures being taken. if looting face coverings in ventilation and saying that these measures will be reviewed on january the 26. saying that these measures will be reviewed onjanuary the 26. i'm hoping —— time for a look at the weather. very good evening. it's been lovely to see the sunshine, but we are going to pay the price tonight. it has been a chilly day with that sun, and temperatures really will plummet. this is just the city centre values. widespread frost tomorrow morning. the countryside could be as low as -7. the countryside could be as low as —7. maybe —9 in the northeast of scotland. not that cold in northern ireland because we will have clouds filling in. more in the way of snow across scotland in the hills. is that weather front pushes eastward, but after a bright dark, temperatures really struggling —— bright start. when will touch gale forced across parts of the northwest. finish cooler with clear spells. friday will be milder and wetter. hello, this is bbc news. the headlines. an estimated 3.7 million people in the uk had coronavirus in the week up to new year's eve, the highest number since comparable figures began. but the government says it will stick to its plan b measures in england and not impose any further restrictions. all of these measures are helping to take the edge off the omicron wave, slow the spread of infection, manage the immediate pressures under nhs and buy time for the boosters manage the immediate pressures on our nhs and buy time for the boosters to take effect. they cannot get the test they need now to _ they cannot get the test they need now to do — they cannot get the test they need now to do to test a week. pre—departure tests will be scrapped for travellers arriving into england from friday morning. the self—isolation period for covid cases in scotland is to be cut from 10 days to seven, if people record two negative tests and have no symptoms. some currently restrictions will remain in place until later this month. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here's jane dougall. astray is some affairs minister says that irrespective of what the state is decided, if novak djokovic is not vaccinated, he still needs to provide adequate reasons as to why not. he may have the wrong kind of visa for travelling industrial area, one which would not permit medical exemptions for the unvaccinated. the prime minister said that the grand slam champion who has never revealed his vaccination status will be closely scrutinised. if his vaccination status will be closely scrutinised.— his vaccination status will be closely scrutinised. if they have been provided _ by medical professionals, that is been shown to him, that will have to stack up when he arrives in austria. he would be treated no different to anyone else as he should be treated no different to anyone else. liverpool's league cup semi—final against arsenal, scheduled for tomorrow, has been postponed because of a coronavirus outbreak at the merseyside club. liverpool had earlier confirmed that assistant manager pep lijnders, who was in the dugout at chelsea at the weekend, had tested positive. he was in temporary charge as managerjurgen klopp was isolating. following further numbers of postive cases, liverpool have closed their first team training centre. the first leg of the semi—final will now be played at anfield next week with the return at the emirates on january the 20th. this evening's semi—final between chelsea and tottenham will go ahead at stamford bridge. but the focus has been off the pitch, following romelu lukaku's apology to the chelsea fans for his controversial interview in italy, where he said he wasn't happy under manager thomas tuckel. however, the distraction may be a chance for spurs and their head coach antonio conte — to take a step towards winning some silverware. i think that the photo of everyone is very important to win trophies. i think at this moment that chelsea is more ready now to win. i think we have a lot of capacity to become a team and can have the aspirations to win. england will be looking for early australian wickets on the second day of the fourth ashes test later. it was a far better performance from the tourists on the opening day in sydney. two late wickets, one from james anderson, the other from mark wood, have given england something to build upon. australia closed on 126—3. joe wilson was watching. so, what is left to play for? every ball counts. that is david warner's idea. they had them both bowling, no earlyjoy idea. they had them both bowling, no early joy for either. idea. they had them both bowling, no earlyjoy for either. marcus with that shot. how soon do you start worrying if you're england's captain? perhaps, neverstops. an expert at dismissing david warner, good catch. gone for 30 and that is why i should play every match. he may have been thinking. some courageous commitment. frantic pace, gripping drama, here we go, systems clear, the underground staff were busy. lingering over sydney. eventually the cricket resumed in scoring runs frustrating england. harrison 38 in anderson at 39, a timely wicket for england and they can compete. there goes, edge court, 126 for three and a chance to show england enjoying this and for once, why not. we'll have more for you in sportsday at half past six. more now on that story on the hold up novak djokovic appears to be facing at melbourne airport on his way to the australia 0pen. stuart fraser is tennis correspondent at the times. this is a fascinating development, isn't it. he had been given exemptions in order to get into australia and now he seems to be held up? australia and now he seems to be held u? .,., ., , australia and now he seems to be heldu? ., , , .,, australia and now he seems to be heldu? ., , , .,y ., held up? extraordinary story for novak and _ held up? extraordinary story for novak and when _ held up? extraordinary story for novak and when he _ held up? extraordinary story for novak and when he instagram l held up? extraordinary story for i novak and when he instagram that held up? extraordinary story for - novak and when he instagram that she had received an exemption permission and then, after five had received an exemption permission and then, afterfive hours had received an exemption permission and then, after five hours at the moment, melbourne claim tomorrow that as far as we are aware, he, his plane landed five hours ago now and he still hasn't been given entry into the country. there is an issue with his visa, but not only that, we're hearing some of the paperwork behind him has been affected. it must be very tricky at the moment is the middle of the night over there. do you know anything about his vaccination status? he has not wanted to speak publicly about it. the vaccination status, going through this, going through this process and all of the incidents surrounding it, ithink process and all of the incidents surrounding it, i think if you are not fully vaccinated, to receive an exemption coming up to meet some strict criteria that is put in by experts and independent health panels that he'd met one of the grounds for that, there are calls for him to reveal the reason why because understandably, many in australia see it as a loophole and unless it is not a reason why, we may never know.— unless it is not a reason why, we may never know. there has been an outcry given — may never know. there has been an outcry given that — may never know. there has been an outcry given that it _ may never know. there has been an outcry given that it did _ may never know. there has been an outcry given that it did appear - may never know. there has been an outcry given that it did appear to - outcry given that it did appear to have been given this exemption, talk us through some of the challenges for the tennis authorities and trying to make a decision in a case like this. ., , , ., like this. one of the things is that the 've like this. one of the things is that they've separated it _ like this. one of the things is that they've separated it is _ like this. one of the things is that they've separated it is much - like this. one of the things is that they've separated it is much as i like this. one of the things is that i they've separated it is much as they possibly can for organisers, set up one independent health panel which would view an application for a playerfor an exemption would view an application for a player for an exemption and that would have another point where they would have another point where they would look closer at the reasons and decide whether or not it's reasonable to approve it or not and it was them to be the final decision. it was the process where personal information was protected and the experts were considering the application and knowing that it was no that documents replying. and certainly is a tricky one because you just need to look at the reaction over the last 24 hours and no matter how much they say it's an independent process, understandably, some people can separate that and we are now in the extra in at the moment where, we don't know whether or not djokovic election to be allowed into the country or not. that is fascinating and it is a blind process and that they did not know that it was novak djokovic. yes, they insist that. they insist thatis yes, they insist that. they insist that is there way to do it and i'm hearing today that it was unanimous in the two panels that this exemption would be approved. i'm not quite sure at what point they found out it was another djokovic and they realise the ramifications of the decision. and whether or not he is going to play at the australian open or not. if going to play at the australian open or not. ., , . ., going to play at the australian open or not. ., , _, .,. ., or not. if he does, he could face a difficult cloud, _ or not. if he does, he could face a difficult cloud, couldn't _ or not. if he does, he could face a difficult cloud, couldn't he? - or not. if he does, he could face a difficult cloud, couldn't he? quite| difficult cloud, couldn't he? quite ironic in the _ difficult cloud, couldn't he? quite ironic in the grand _ difficult cloud, couldn't he? quite ironic in the grand slam - difficult cloud, couldn't he? qt its: ironic in the grand slam tournament at the us open, djokovic is received much affection is a very popular roger federer and rafael nadal. and 22,000 new yorkers at the us open finalfor his effort 22,000 new yorkers at the us open final for his effort and coming so close to competing in the grand slam. the reaction will not be the same in melbourne. you need only look at the top of the action on social media and the media coverage and the dates on television today, for the exemption and will be very interesting if he does eventually receive permission, to be very interesting to see where he gets when he walks off for his first round match. let's return to our main story on the latest covid measures in the uk. rules on testing for coronavirus are changing for people in england, scotland and wales — so that positive lateral flow tests no longer need to be confirmed by a pcr test, if the person has no symptoms. let's speak now to professor lawrence young who is a virologist and professor of molecular oncology at warwick medical school. thank you forjoining us on bbc news and what your reaction to these changes? i and what your reaction to these chan . es? ~ �* , and what your reaction to these chances? ,, �*, ., ., , changes? i think it's a really sensible approach _ changes? i think it's a really sensible approach as - changes? i think it's a really sensible approach as long i changes? i think it's a really| sensible approach as long as changes? i think it's a really - sensible approach as long as they are reported and lateral flow tests remain in good supply. is are reported and lateral flow tests remain in good supply.— remain in good supply. is there a otential remain in good supply. is there a potential problem _ remain in good supply. is there a potential problem that _ remain in good supply. is there a potential problem that it - remain in good supply. is there a| potential problem that it becomes harder to find out how prevalent covid—19 is if people are not reporting their tests was yellow there are two risks with this approach, one is exactly that, that we will not have as reliable an indication of the overall case numbers if people do not report the lateral flow tests. and of course, with lateral flow, unlike the pcr tests, you cannot determine what variants people infected with rariiii variants people infected with will be no variants people infected with ii. be no currently is that with these high levels, of omicron infection, if you test positive, you can assume that your infectious without needing the pcr tests and reducing it when you need to self—isolate. not having to wait for pcr test is going to be important, but it will mean that we lose some of that granularity in terms of the data. it lose some of that granularity in terms of the data.— terms of the data. it has been widely reported _ terms of the data. it has been widely reported that _ terms of the data. it has been widely reported that there - terms of the data. it has been widely reported that there is l terms of the data. it has been i widely reported that there is a shortage of lateral flow tests if you go to a chemist and they don't have any at the moment, will this just add to that pressure? their guaranteeing — just add to that pressure? their guaranteeing supplies - just add to that pressure? their guaranteeing supplies and - just add to that pressure? tie: " guaranteeing supplies and i just add to that pressure? tt9 :' guaranteeing supplies and i have been to a chemist and couldn't get a lateral flow tests myself because the kids are not available. but i'm told that it would change the next few days and it comes to this issue of what we're going to do if you cannot get enough tests out to people. is it going to mean the real after ration testing in some way? the idea is to take some pressure off of the pcr test and also to try and reduce the way in which people are having to self—isolate and missed work. this will only work if he can get enough tests to people. 0r he can get enough tests to people. or the countries doing something similar? , :, or the countries doing something similar? , ., :, :, ~' or the countries doing something similar? , ., :, :, ,, ., ., similar? they are looking at what we are doinu similar? they are looking at what we are doing and _ similar? they are looking at what we are doing and they _ similar? they are looking at what we are doing and they don't _ similar? they are looking at what we are doing and they don't have - similar? they are looking at what we are doing and they don't have as - are doing and they don't have as much lateral flow availability is we have in this country despite will be to set about supplies and i think the biggest issue is that you have to be careful because you cannot assume that you are not infected if you test negative on lateral flow. lateral flow only detects those people at the most infectious and so, where the concerns as if you still have symptoms and you've tested negative, you do need a pcr test. it is with emphasising that. i do think it is a bit of an experiment in a situation where we have unprecedented levels of infection and we need to think about better ways of controlling it. if better ways of controlling it. if you were to test daily with a lateral flow tests, it would eventually pick up that you are positive, but then we need more tests. , , :, , ., , :, tests. this is a dependable on the availability and _ tests. this is a dependable on the availability and making _ tests. this is a dependable on the availability and making sure - tests. this is a dependable on the availability and making sure that i availability and making sure that they're distributed in the right way to people so they are no issues and thatis to people so they are no issues and that is the only way we'll be able to get over the current situation where people are having the self—isolate and then have two confirmatory negative tests on days six and seven before they can go back and function as normal. of course part of this is a major problem we have at the time of staff absences, but it's all absolutely crucially dependent on the availability of lateral flow tests and also relying on people to report positive results when they do get a lateral flow result. four people accused of illegally removing a statue of the 17th century slave trader edward colston in bristol last year have been cleared of criminal damage. the memorial to colston was pulled down and thrown into bristol's harbourside during a black lives matter demonstration lastjune. speaking after the verdict, the four defendants — sage willoughby, rhian graham, milo ponsford, and jake skuse — said they were on "the right side of history." 0ur correspondent andrew plant has more on the background to the trial. june 7th, 2020, during a black lives matter protest in bristol, a statue of the slave trader edward colston, tied up and toppled. the 125—year—old bronze was graffitied and rolled into the water. police did not intervene. cheering. we made a tactical decision that to stop people from doing that act may have caused further disorder. we decided the safest thing to do in terms of policing tactics was to allow it to take place. over the years previously, some had petitioned to have the statue removed. edward colston made his fortune in the 17th—century transatlantic slave trade. across bristol buildings, pubs, streets and schools carried his name. the protest made headlines worldwide. many venues began dropping the colston name and conversations started about other historical statues and monuments. it's not about the statues but it is about the story we tell ourselves, the heroes that we lionise and those that we now wish to perhaps move away from. the people charged with damaging the statue became known as the colston four. large crowds gathered at the start of their trial. the trial was said by some to be only about criminal damage but the defence team said it was about much more than that. four days after the protest, the statue was fished out, eventually put on display at a museum, to explain the latest chapter in bristol's history and its repercussions worldwide. andrew plant, bbc news. 0utside bristol crown court, one of the defendants, rhian graham, gave her reaction to the verdict — and just a warning that there is extensive flash photography throughout her statement. thanks. 0ur thanks. our legal team who have been incredible and i cannot thank them enough or getting us through this. bristol defendant solidarity. bristol defendant solidarity. bristol history. you've got all of our witnesses, are incredible witnesses who took the oath and put their name on the line to stand in court for us. they did so much of the research in all of the history around it. the special mention to rules must be witnessed but was given so much open fire to continue with this journey. all the donators through the cloud funder. all of our family and friends who have been on this journey with us as well. everyone on the day, this 10,000 people marched through the streets of bristol in the name of equality. exactly. all of the statue climbers, the rollers the extra hours, all of these people. you are incredible and these people. you are incredible and the international top leaders who went and took their agency and did something in their hometown and change the landscape of their place because that's one thing that's been a real big lesson which is tojust take agency in my own life and the fact that we all have the ability to see how our space is decorated in who we venerated we celebrate and one thing that we know now is that colston does not represent bristol. big thanks to banksy! with violent unrest continuing across kazakhstan — it's just been announced that a nationwide state of emergency has been declared. there are reports that protesters have seized control of the airport of the country's biggest city, almaty. what started as a protest against rising fuel prices has become something bigger, although the extent of the rebellion is still not clear. kazakhstan's president has admitted he 'botched' the fuel price increase — he's dismissed the government and appointed an acting prime minister. but the protests have continued. this was earlier in almaty, where demonstrators stormed the mayor's office. in response, security forces fired stun grenades. and tear gas at the protestors, but the crowds refused to disperse. more than two hundred people have been arrested since the unrest began. the white house is urged to call restraint. —— has urged calm and restraint. britain needs a better supply of cheap and affordable energy — in india, police say they've arrested three people in connection with an app that shared photos of prominent muslim women, saying they were up for sale. the app, which had an offensive term in its title has been blocked. the women who've been targeted say they feel humiliated and under threat. 0ur india correspondent yogita limaye has more. first, a bit of background on this story. a few days ago, scores of indian muslim women found that their photos had been shared on an app, and on it, they were presented as if they were up for sale or up for auction. this isn't the first time it's happened — it happened six months ago as well. then, too, a complaint had been registered, but no action had been taken. this time around, three arrests have been made by police, all of them very young people, among them, one 18—year—old woman. the women who've been targeted, many of them are prominent muslim women in india — journalists, activists and even politicians. and under prime minister's government. we have spoken to some of them, they have told the bbc about how they felt humiliated and threatened in one of them is a woman standing overseas was talked about how her parents felt extremely worried looking at this. some of them have also said they feel angry that no action was taken the first time this happened in the field that those motivated the perpetrators to try again. it is not clear whether or not it's the same people behind but these incidents and the police if they are investigating further to find out who exactly is behind this and what their motive was. but this was yet another instance of muslims in india feeling increasingly vulnerable under a hindu nationalist government. a memorial to the 22 people killed in the manchester arena bombing, opened to the public today. the glade of light, near the city's cathedral, is a white marble "halo" bearing the names of those who died. andy gill reports. the new memorial garden has been built within sight of manchester arena where suicide bomber salman abedi murdered 22 people in may 2017. the plants have been selected to reflect the seasons and give year round colour.but the centre piece is a halo of white and give year round colour. but the centre piece is a halo of white marble nearing the names of those who were killed. this of those who were killed. is a beautiful tribute to a dark this is a beautiful tribute to a dark day in manchester as history we want to do justice to this. the strength of feeling and those who have lost their loved ones of those affected more broadly, to create something that all year around, people can come to pause and reflect on remember. two families had left flowers here on private visits before the garden was opened to the public. containing mementos and messages to remember their loved ones. 0livia campbell hardy from bury was one of the 22 who died. herfriend adam lawler was injured in the attack. sit s it somewhere that i will always stop when i'm in town. around going to the pub or the shops orjust somewhere, anywhere and going through, i will pass through just to take a moment, just to take a moment to remember. at the centre of the gardens is a hawthorn tree which will bloom in may to coincide with the anniversary of the atrocity. this coming may there'll be an official opening to mark 5 years since it happened. andy gill bbc north west today manchester. a 32—year—old army officer has become the first woman of colour to complete a solo expedition to the south pole. captain preet chandi trekked 700 miles in 40 days, pulling her equipment in a sledge. she faced temperatures of minus 45 c and said she wanted "encourage people to push boundaries and believe in themselves." 0ur correspondent phil mackie has the story. this was the moment she made it. 40 days after captain preet chandi set off and two years after she started training. i've made it to the south pole, where it's snowing. feeling so many emotions right now. i knew nothing about the polar world three years ago and it feels so surreal to finally be here. getting ready wasn't exactly easy. she went to iceland and spent 27 days in greenland to prepare for the extreme conditions. before she left, polar preet, as she's become known, who is an army physio, said one of the reasons she wanted to do it was to inspire other girls from her background. as a woman of colour, as an asian woman, you know, when people see me doing this, you know, an image they don't expect to see, they are so excited. and people have said to me that i'm such a role model, just for them to see somebody that looks, you know, slightly like them. during the trek, she had to tackle 60 mph winds while pulling a 90kg sled in temperatures that fell as low as —50 celsius. as she got closer, she suffered from exhaustion — but that all melted away with the elation of achieving her goal. you are capable of anything you want, no matter where you are from, where your start line is. everybody starts somewhere. i don't want to just break the glass ceiling, i want to smash it into a million pieces. who's with me? and an awful lot of people are. her accomplishment is being seen as a triumph back at home. she is going to have to get used to being at the pole for a little longer. an outbreak of covid means the flight crew that will bring her back is stuck in isolation. phil mackie, bbc news. now, it's time for a look at the weather. hello. sunshine has been in short supply of late. but wednesday, certainly made up for it with widespread blue skies across the uk. there's a price to pay for those clear skies and they'll be overnight tonight and temperatures falling very sharply. it is the chilli across the uk to the next couple of days and nights in fact. chilly enough that we will see a top up of this snow across the highlands through thursday as well as this her friend starting to work the way in. to the course of the night with clear skies, temperatures will follow a very sharply where we have snow and some of the scottish glens because he temperatures down as low as 10 degrees, even to the south of the uk and shots across southern england, —6 and —7. it will get mauled by the end of the night for northern ireland is the once just pick up in the cloud arrives and then come of this with the system runs into the cold air through thursday. for more than ireland, we large malignant rain, snow briefly and some scotland and some scotland in northern england, not exclusively cross the high ground but there will be more heavy snow for a time in briefly across north wales in the midlands, and the strong winds, it can be blizzard conditions. also some heavy rain to the south is this front goes through, may be in the art flesh of lightning and rumble of thunder. a cold afternoon as things brighten behind the weather front and a few showers continuing to funnel in on the northwesterly wind. but that stays with us overnight into friday. because of the wind, it might not be quite so cold from thursday and friday, but still a frosty start across the northern half of the uk with the risk of ice and snow showers again from northwestern scotland and something northern ireland in the northwest of england getting down to the midlands and lower levels as well. rain, i think to the far southwest. a lot of sunshine but a quality field with temperatures in the single figures at best. quite a change from saturday is this with the system comes in with a big pocket of milder air tucked inside it and it will lift the temperature quite notably up to double figures at the start of the week and, there to see a return of some widespread cloud and also some fairly heavy outbreaks of rain. today at six, startling new figures on covid infections in the uk. one in every 15 people were infected in the run—up to new year's eve. no more pcr tests for those with a positive lateral flow result in england and wales, if there are no symptoms. which could ease pressure on labs. but fears remain for hospitals. potentially of greatest concern, case rates are now rising rapidly among the older and more vulnerable, including doubling every week among those over 60, with the obvious risk that this will continue to increase the pressure is on our nhs. the isolation period in scotland is coming down from ten to seven days, in line with the rest of the uk. also on the programme. good news for winter travellers. rules requiring a test before arrival in england are being scrapped.