just half a metre of rock separated britain from continental europe. it took the drills just a few moments to cut through the final obstacle. then philippe cozette, a minerfrom calais, was shaking hands and exchanging flags with robert fagg, his opposite numberfrom dover. this is bbc world news, the latest headlines: the who warns of a global covid surge — as omicron cases are confirmed in 2a countries, and germany says jabs could become mandatory from february. the conservative party retains the parliamentary seat of old bexley and sidcup — but with a greatly reduced majority. to asia now— and chinese ride hailing giant didi global says it's going to de—list