This is bbc news with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the world. The uk government defends its rationing of coronavirus testing in some areas, which has left some people with symptoms having to drive more than a hundred miles for a swab. If people need a test, the vast majority get it quickly close to home. But when those Testing Centres are full, then obviously people are offered a test at the nearest place at which one is available. And if youve been asked to travel a considerable distance for a test in the uk, please do get in touch. On twitter, its Annita Mcveigh or bbcyourquestions. Leading figures in uk aviation accuse the government of overseeing the demise of the industry due
to the lack of testing at airports. Russia demands to see the evidence that the opposition activist, Alexei Navalny, was poisoned with a novichok nerve agent. A rescue operation is under way after a ship carrying more than a0 crew and nearly 6,000 cattle has gone missing off the coast
M v hr who try and give up will find against them are perseverance our perseverance. Those who survive our heroes and they are now conveying things, passing it forward and on the future generations and our children will also have to become those who will also convey that message, they will become the witnesses of the witnesses and never give that role up because, thanks to what they will learn, they will become those who have the power of knowledge. They know that we do not have the right or the privilege of forgetting and the stories of our victims is a story that is a vibrant, vital one and a crucial one that must be passed on. This will be awe inspiring to these children because our children will have to protect and defend democracy and
humanity that is so fragile and delicate and one must fortify it time and time again so we are uniting here today once again in order to draw that inspiration and award it to our youths so they will find in their heart, the courage so that on the day
Supreme court could respond to a widely ridiculed texas lawsuit seeking to overturn president elect bidens victory. Tonight the top House Republican has joined more than 100 lawmakers in the house and 18 red state attorneys general in backing the effort to throw out millions of certified votes. Were also awaiting word from the fda. It is expected to finalize emergency use authorization for pfizers covid19 vaccine very soon. Could do it at any moment now. Thats a move that would allow vaccinations to begin here in the United States within days. The urgency is clear as the u. S. Coronavirus death toll now tops 294,000 tonight with more than 15. 7 million confirmed cases and covid19 hospitalizations hitting yet another record high. Lets start our coverage this hour with our chief white house correspondent, jim acosta. Jim, the u. S. Supreme court could deliver another major blow to the president s bogus claims about the election at any moment
now. Thats right, wolf. The Supreme Court coul
This is bbc news. Im simon mccoy. The headlines. A £4 billion cut in vat to kick start the economy but some Companies Say they need to keep the cash to stay in business. Were looking to pass some of that on to customers, but i think we are in survival mode right now. What it allows us to do is comfortably put on larger discounts, so we are passing it on. The Health Secretary says the government has ruled out making masks compulsory for Office Workers in england. Borisjohnson confirms therell be an independent inquiry into the governments handling of the coronavirus pandemic but not now. China warns of retaliation over huawei, as President Trump takes credit for the decision to exclude it from the uks 56 network. The biggest easing of lockdown restrictions in scotland is under way the first minister says its the riskiest stage to date. Facing another lockdown blackburn is given a deadline to deal with a rising tide of coronavirus cases. And the statue of slave trader Edward Colston is
Edition. If you can donate please do it. Well tonight, breaking news as we come on the air involving the vaccines. A cdc panel voting late today on who will get a vaccine first and how soon, as the head of the fda is summoned to the white house today and is asked why the Pfizer Vaccine hasnt been approved yet for emergency use. His answer, as hospitals now buy freezers to store the vaccine at my nut 94 degrees. And there is new guidance from the cdc coming in tonight if youve been exposed to the virus. This evening, the increasing numbers across the country. Nearly 100,000 americans now in the hospital fighting covid. In new york city tonight, officials urging older adults and people at high risk to limit time outside their homes. Twothirds of the citys icu beds are now full. The plea for retired nurses and doctors to be ready. And the retired doctor coming back onto the front lines for a second time now. Tonight, the icu nurse dying in the hospital where he worked for 25 years. The ma