this is bbc news — broadcasting to viewers in the uk and around the world. our top stories: covid infections set new records in the uk — where an estimated 1.7 million people had the virus last week. it's onlyjust now that the cases are starting to tip into the older population, particularly 60 and 70 plus year olds, and there are a number of different reasons why we need to continue to look at this data further. at least 39 people are killed after a packed ferry caught fire in southern bangladesh. the most powerful telescope to ever be launched into space is due to blast off on christmas day. and, the queen is expected to give a very personal christmas message this year — her first since the death of her husband prince philip.