this is bbc news. theresa may is set to head to brussels for talks today with top eu officials ahead of sunday's crucial summit to formally sign off the brexit deal. the dup's leader arlene foster is expected to reaffirm her opposition to the eu withdrawal deal at her party's annual conference. the dup's chief whip has insisted the withdrawal agreement is only the first phase of negotiations. if anyone believes this is the end of the road that we had in the last chance saloon, i don't think they understand the process at all. french police use water cannon and tear gas against protesters in central paris demanding a cut in the price of fuel. a man has been arrested after a police officer was stabbed outside a railway station in east london. the white house has dismissed a government report that warns unchecked climate change will seriously damage the economy and affect human health and quality of life. the national crime agency issues a warning to organised gangs involved in people smuggling across the english channel. the royal institution hopes to find

people with recordings of their christmas lectures from the ‘60s and ‘70s which are missing, including some by sir david attenborough. and at 11:30, i'll be hosting dateline london where my guests and i will consider whether may's brexit deal will make it through the commons. theresa may is heading to brussels this afternoon to try to finalise her brexit deal with eu leaders. the prime minister is hoping the plans will be approved at a summit on sunday.

but spain's prime minister has threatened to derail the timetable, if he doesn't get further reassurances over the status of gibraltar. here's our political correspondent, chris mason. roll up, roll up, the prime minister doesn't quite say, but you get the picture. the government's setting its stall out wherever you might hear, see, or read it. but for this weekend at least, the focus turns away from here at westminster, away from flogging the deal domestically, and the prime minister hops over the channel instead, to ensure that the eu is fully signed up to it. mrs may heads for brussels later to meet two of the biggies of that city — the president of the european commission, jean—claude juncker, and the european council president, donald tusk. and then tomorrow, it is showtime, as european leaders gather for the big brexit summit. but spain wants more reassurance about gibraltar. translation: regarding gibraltar, let me tell you, i insist

that the guarantees are not enough, and therefore spain maintains its veto on the brexit deal. and northern ireland's democratic unionists, who prop up theresa may in downing street, sound like they're threatening to pull the plug on that if the prime minister's plan is approved by mps. that plan was about giving national stability and delivering on brexit. if this is not going to deliver on brexit, then of course that brings us back to the situation of looking at the confidence and supply agreement, but we're not there yet. you might feel you've heard quite enough about brexit, but it's about to get even louder still. even if the eu approves the deal, mrs may must still persuade

enough mps to support it, which may prove difficult. here's the chancellor, philip hammond speaking this morning. this country has fundamental economic strengths and if we can get a deal based on the agreement that we have reached with the european union, iam we have reached with the european union, i am equally confident that britain has a very bright future ahead. let us look at what pedro sanchez

make to. if he does not arrive tomorrow, there will be no summit, it isa tomorrow, there will be no summit, it is a simple site. while spain doesn't have a legal veto to say that they would block the deal, it is about agreeing a consensus tomorrow. they will not vote on it tomorrow, not until it is ratified by the british parliament, but this isa by the british parliament, but this is a major step. how you hold a special summit when one of the key members is not there. officials say it will not happen. what is happening right now is british, spanish, eu officials are negotiating in the building behind me trying to work out a solution between the civil servants and what might make spain happy, and they wa nt might make spain happy, and they want as part of the divorce bill, an

extra document saying any decision on gibraltar has to go through spain directly, not just through on gibraltar has to go through spain directly, notjust through the eu, which is what we're working on ahead of theresa may arriving here this evening. the leader of the democratic unionist party, arlene foster, is expected to reiterate her opposition to the proposed brexit deal when she addresses its annual conference today. the dup is concerned that plans to prevent checks on the irish border would leave northern ireland too closely tied to the eu. last night, mrs foster said her party would reconsider its agreement to prop up mrs may's government if the brexit deal was passed by parliament. our ireland correspondent chris page is at the conference in belfast for us this morning. chris, hello to you. there is quite an atmosphere here at the dup conference in belfast. never has there been so much national interest on what happens at a dup conference because this is the party which is

at the parliamentary pivot point, it has a deal with the conservatives to support theresa may's minority government in key votes, but that arrangement has been under increasing strain in recent days because the dup are not happy with the draft brexit deal. they feel that arrangements for the border backstop would leave northern ireland potentially under the control of the eu, which would be a breach of the northern ireland sovereignty, they say. last night we have the chancellor philip hammond coming here trying to sell the prime minister was my deal, but i expect borisjohnson will get minister was my deal, but i expect boris johnson will get a minister was my deal, but i expect borisjohnson will get a better reception when he comes to speak here this afternoon. the question being asked, how stable is the confidence in the agreement? could the dup be prepared to pull down the government? listen to this from sir jeffrey donaldson, the dup‘s chief whip. in northern ireland the

democratic unionist party is not put off by the notion that we would fight an election on the basis we wa nt fight an election on the basis we want the best deal for the union, for the united kingdom and for our economy, and at the moment this does not represent what we believe is the best deal. so, sirjeffrey donaldson making it clear the dup would not be afraid of a general election if that is what this resulted in. they have been looking further afield than westminster at this conference. they see themselves in the same camp as gibraltar in terms of unionism and retaining the link with the uk, which is that the heart of their politics. today we heard from a minister in the gibraltar government, the ministerfor minister in the gibraltar government, the minister for housing and equality, she has come here to speak and she had a very uncompromising message when it comes to the current debate over the future of gibraltar in the context

of these brexit negotiations. future of gibraltar in the context of these brexit negotiationsm future of gibraltar in the context of these brexit negotiations. it is critical that the united kingdom remains firmly in the defence of our right to self—determination, and that spain is given no hope, absolutely no hope in its campaign to take our sovereignty from us. applause so the issue of gibraltar to the fore again this weekend, spain saying it wants more of a say over gibraltar in the talks between britain and the eu when it comes to the future relationship, after the text it's the eu in march. as bad as the dup are concerned, they say the reason they propped up the government was to deliver brexit, they were passionate brexiteers, they were passionate brexiteers, they campaigned for the uk to leave they campaigned for the uk to leave the european union, and they say that if the confidence in the deal by the tories does not deliver brexit, they will not supported. expect to hear that the dup as

opposed to the deal, and she is expected to tell the prime minister to go back and get a better agreement. thanks very much. let's show you some pictures from paris where thousands of protesters are taking part in a second weekend of demonstrations over fuel prices. 3000 police officers have been deployed in paris, in expectation of protests that could number tens of thousands. there have been suggestions that number of the protesters are going to make it to the capital, protesting about the fuel tax increase that barack obama and's government wants to impose. it caused a huge amount of anger, which led to the protests over the last week or so, all over france. there named, the protestors, after the

yellow ta bards. named, the protestors, after the yellow tabards. all motorists are required to carry those in case of an accident, and there using this as an accident, and there using this as an emblem for their protest against fuel tax increases. the french police are not taking chances. the reason for the original deployment and use of tear gas and water cannon was because some of the protesters stormed the police line trying to breach a police cordon, and the police were not having any of it. protests often turn nasty on the streets of paris. there is a strong tradition which many french value, and we noticed... there you go, tear gas cartridges. we noticed that some people were trying to dislodge some of the paving stones, the cobbles which is usually a sign they're hoping to throw them. that is the

sort of aspect that police are happy to avoid, which is not to suggest many protesters want to involve that kind of action, but there were signs of it, and determination to ensure this does not happen. that is the scene just around john is —— the champs elysees. police are questioning a man after an officer was stabbed outside a train station in london. british transport police said the male officer was attacked with a knife outside ilford train station. a man was arrested soon after. the police officer has been treated in hospital — his injuries are not thought to be life—threatening. the white house has dismissed a hard hitting official report on climate change which warns of its impact on the us economy and society. the report was written with the help of more than a dozen us government agencies and says the size of the american economy will shrink by 10% by the end of this century if no action is taken.

the report clashes with president trump's own policies on the issue. he's repeatedly cast doubt on the fact that man—made climate change is real. our correspondent, james cook, has more. this, say many scientists, is what climate change looks like. in recent years, california has seen bigger, deadlier and more destructive wildfires than ever before. during a cold snap in washington this week, president trump tweeted, "whatever happened to global warming?" now, his own government experts have answered the question. it is here, they say. its effects are serious, and without dramatic change, they will be catastrophic. already, says the report, more frequent and intense storms like hurricane harvey, which ravaged houston and texas, are destroying property and may damage critical infrastructure such as bridges, power plants and oil refineries. crop yields and labour productivity will decline. there will be a rise in the spread of tropical disease. the poorest americans will be hardest hit. one of the things that's quite striking about the report, for example, is that we could see a future where the south—eastern

parts of the united states experience forest fire seasons that look like what happens in the west right now. the real harm is not the conflagration, but whether people know how to respond. we've been through the seasons again and again, and it's something people in the south—east haven't experienced before. it could potentially have even greater impact. the scientists say substantial and sustained reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions are essential, and they do report some progress. but president trump has taken a sharply different approach to his predecessor barack obama, championing coal, oil and gas and rolling back environmental regulations. without major, urgent action, says the report, the impacts of climate change will soon cascade into every corner of american life. it is exactly quarter past 11.

the headlines on bbc news... theresa may heads to brussels to hold talks with top eu officials ahead of sunday's crucial summit to formally sign off the brexit deal. french police fire a water cannon and tear gas at protesters in central paris who are demaning a cut in the price of fuel. the white house has dismissed a government report that warns unchecked climate change will seriously damage the economy and effect human health and quality of life. the national crime agency has issued a warning to organised gangs, which it says are behind a recent spike in illegal attempts to cross the english channel. on friday, eight iranian people were brought ashore after their dinghy was spotted off the coast of kent. it brings the total number of suspected migrants to have reached the uk this month to 101. our reporter keith doyle has more. these men were found in a dinghy

by a border force patrol boat in the channel yesterday. the eight men, who say they are iranian, were taken into custody and interviewed by immigration officers. the day before, 14 people were found in two dinghies in the channel. french authorities found another 11 suspected migrants on the same day. there has been a huge rise in the number of people trying to cross the channel in small boats. in the past month, 101 suspected migrants have been found, including nine people found on rocks at folkestone. three boats with 2a suspected migrants, including a toddler, were picked up off ramsgate. and seven men were rescued from a dinghy after making a distress call. we need to see the home office and french authorities work together to put a stop to this trafficking network. nearly 100 refugees have been coming across the channel in recent weeks. it's only a matter of time before there's a tragedy, and that's why the home office in particular needs to get a grip and have a plan. the national crime agency says organised crime groups

are using these small craft to traffic people, but they're working with the french authorities to stop them. this week, two men were jailed for eight years for smuggling people across the channel. this is one of the inflatable boats they used. most people smuggling takes place at ports, but increased security there, and the calm weather, may be making more people risk their lives by trying to cross the channel in small, unsuitable craft. let's talk to bbc south reporter alex bish, who's been following the migrant crisis for a number years in kent. thank you for coming on to tell us about what you know about this story. how unusual is this? this is really unprecedented. euro report mentioned the numbers, we know of over 100 this month alone, from 12

incidents of boats smuggling people across the channel. to give you an idea usually we see perhaps a dozen ina year. idea usually we see perhaps a dozen in a year. i first started seeing this in about 2014. in 2016 we saw a real spite, to the extent the government invested in extra border force patrol vessels to assist and boost border security. we had a number of incidents again last year, but we understand that this year we are seeing record numbers, and it all began in october, but has really ramped up since the start of this month. these are the incidents that we know about. there have been reports of abandoned vessels on the french coast on the british coast as well, so we don't know the true numbers, and often the bbcjust rely on tip—offs. the home office is not forthcoming with details of the incidents when they happen. forthcoming with details of the incidents when they happenm forthcoming with details of the incidents when they happen. is there any explanation about why it may be happening now? we have touched upon the weather conditions. it has been

fairly calm across the channel in the last few weeks. but in the past we have been aware of small people smuggling operations, many of which have resulted in convictions. there have resulted in convictions. there have been some opportunistic attem pts have been some opportunistic attempts as well, but this clearly does seem to be far more organised and coordinated, both the national crime agency believe this and also i have spoken to the french maritime police, who are aware of boat thefts in france. one of the incidents this month, we saw a vessel that had been stolen and used to sell straight into the port of dover. alex, thank you very much. hundreds of people have attended the funeral of the well—known syrian radio host and activist, raed fares — who was killed

by gunmen in the rebel—held province of idlib. raed fares founded an independent radio station broadcasting from opposition—held areas. despite several assasination attempts, he refused to leave idlib and continued to defy both the government and militants. when fresh radio was ordered to remove its female presenters, software was used to disguise their voices. tributes to fares have been paid across the world. the search is on for missing footage of sir david attenborough, first aired on the bbc almost 50 years ago. staff at the royal institution are asking the public to look in their attics for any recordings of their christmas science lectures — including those by sir david — after realising 31 broadcasts are missing from their collection. our correspondent david sillito reports. we will have a little protein dance. carl sagan, in1977, doing the protein dance. very good. can you get a different note on it? christopher zeeman and the science of music. heart rate 126 — you must be calming down, robert. how do you feel now,

compared to before? great. these lectures have been a christmas tradition since 1825, and were first broadcast on the bbc in 1936. but not all of them have survived in the archive. some of david attenborough‘s lectures from 1973 have gone missing. there are also gaps in ‘66, ‘67, ‘69, ‘70 and ‘71. the royal institution wants to put all of these televised lectures online, and is asking the public if they have copies of the missing programmes hidden in a loft or stored in a garage. they were television's first ever science programme, and they're hoping that some of their technologically inclined viewers might be able to help them complete the full collection. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here's mike. good morning.

england may have already won their test series in sri lanka, but they seem determined to make it a whitewash and win 3—nil... sri lanka seemed to be building a strong second innings, but for a dramatic collaspe. )england's women meanwhile will face australia in the world t20 final in antigua at midnight. they'll be looking to add to the 50 over world cup title they won last year and become double world champions... i think it's something

that we thought about, going into the competition. it's not something that comes around very often, and it's been a real carrot to keep us pushing forward, to keep us improving. but, like i say, we're going to have to play very well. it's broadly a once—in—a—career opportunity that comes along, and if we do manage to do it, it will be a real, real achievement. so yes, we've put ourselves in the best possible place to go out and do that. it is the final day of rugby union's autumn internationals. wales take on south africa as they aim to win their first ever clean sweep of autumn victories. they will still be missing, full back, leigh halfpenny who suffered from concussion against australia. they could also, be without back row forward dan lydiate — who will have a late fitness test as he tries to come back from an elbow injury. if lydiate is ruled out, cardiff blues flanker ellis jenkins is in line to start. england take on australia, it what is an important game a year out from the world cup injapan. ed jones' england have not lost to his native country since he to took charge after the last world cup — and jones expects a australia side ready to go.

we are prepared for this game, and it is all we worried about. now in football, claudio ranieri returns to the premier league, at bottom club fulham who take on southampton this afternoon. fulham fans will be hoping he can recreate similar results that he did when he won the premier league at leicester. we must be calm and continue to work, because it is not possible to change everything in one night. that is important. it is important to get points, it is very important, but it is also very important to maintain oui’ is also very important to maintain our mentality, never, never give up, not only in the match, but all season. in scotland, celtic will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the scottish premiership when they travel to hamilton academical in today's early kick off. manager brendan rodgers wants to maintain their good form ahead of a hectic run of games. we got a busy period, nearly 11

games between now and the end of december, but it is what the players want, they are full of confidence, they have been playing well, as a tea m they have been playing well, as a team this last seven week block, so we look to continue with that. lewis hamilton topped the timesheets in final practice ahead of qualifying for the abu dhabi grand prix. the world champion, was more than a quarter of a second quicker than the ferrari of kimi raikkonen, with sebastian vettel almost half a second adrift in third. qualifying gets underway in just over an hour and a half. england have begun their second innings, three without loss in the second innings and that third and final test, after sri lanka were bowled out for 240 in the first innings. now, the weather. it is remaining chilly this weekend for all of us, with a brisk easterly winds which will make it feel older, particularly along the east coast.

most particularly along the east coast. m ost pla ces particularly along the east coast. most places should be dry, but there will be rain across the south, so it will be rain across the south, so it will be rain across the south, so it will be damp. this area of low pressure brought in heavy rain and thunder and lightning across the south—west. it will be plaguing southern parts of the country throughout the afternoon, so some will find it heavy. it could move north into parts of the midlands at times, and most of the heavy rain will be south of the m4 corridor. the temperature is seven or 8 degrees this afternoon, a few down on what we had yesterday. variable amounts of cloud in the midlands, and the best of the sunshine continuing across north—west england, northern ireland and western scotland. into this evening it stays damp across the south but it stays damp across the south but it looks like the rain will peter out and move back into the channel, but the rain will pep up for the likes of the channel islands, but

elsewhere that will be a dry night. i elsewhere that will be a dry night. , eight to come, there could be some frost where the skies are clear. again, eastbourne north east wind tomorrow, and could be a degree or so—called than this afternoon. a better picture for the suburban areas, it could be dry with brightness, and there is a chance of some of that rain from the continent moving into south—east england. monday is the last of these quiet cold days, with aerial amounts of cloud. —— variable amounts. we will start to see the change taking place across the west with wind and showers, and temperatures nudging a little bit. that is the trend of things to come, with mild air coming in from the south—west, but very strong gale force winds by the time

we reach wednesday. another pool b on wednesday, milder for wednesday —— another cool day. hello and welcome to dateline london, bringing together in debate leading uk commentators with foreign correspondents who file their stories with the dateline london. on today's programme: theresa may exercises her muscles in brussels this weekend, but will the knock—out blow to her brexit deal be delivered at westminster? is a gulf opening up between the west and the gulf states ? and as the british museum lends to nigeria valuable stolen bronzes, is it time to hand back the loot of empire? with me: janet daley, columnist for the sunday telegraph nabila ramdani, who reports widely on thre arab world us broadcaster michael goldfarb, host of the podcast, the first rough draft of history and the belgian journalist marc roche of the weekly magazine le point. a weekend in brussels for theresa may as she and the leaders of 27 other countries sign off on the uk's divorce from the european union.

mrs may has been fending off last minute objections. brinkmanship, perhaps from countries like spain and france, hoping for further british concessions. because only a majority of eu countries need to approve the deal, in all likelihood the brussels summit will end in smiles and handshakes. back in london, though, the withdrawal terms face a much tougher audience. her former brexit secretary, an enthusiast for leaving, thinks the terms are worse than staying in the europeran union. with the support of the democratic unionists, a party from northern ireland, on paper the prime minister has a majority of the votes in the house of commons — just. but the dup won't back the deal, and 80 of her own conservative mps say the same. if we were to go back to the european union and say ‘people didn't like that deal can we have another one?,' i don't think they are going to come to us and say ‘we will give you a better deal‘. "this is the deal that i think works for the uk,"