violence on the streets of paris as protesters and police clash for the fourth weekend in a row. cars are set alight and tear gas fired as thousands of the so—called yellow vest protestors take to the streets. they've been pushing them up and down this street all morning and the tension is starting to rise. we'll have the latest live from paris. also tonight... a plan b for brexit? amber rudd becomes the first minister to openly discuss alternatives to the prime minister's deal. in new zealand, detectives are to charge a man with the murder of the british backpacker grace millane. and england will face scotland at next year's women's football world cup. good evening.

there's been more violence in paris today after riot police clashed with protestors for the fourth weekend in a row. tear gas, water cannon and armoured vehicles were used as thousands of the so—called yellow vest protesters took to the streets, with cars and barricades set alight. the yellow vest movement began in opposition to a rise in fuel tax — but ministers say it's been hijacked by "ultra—violent" protesters. from paris, lucy williamson reports. they called it a protest. at times it looked more like a game of urban war. groups of protesters fanned through the capital's streets today. from the arc de triomphe to republique, boulevards once built to open the veins of the city filled with tear gas, burning vehicles and riot police. on the champs—elysees this morning, the mood was largely peaceful. protesters arriving here from across france caught up in a familiar dance of conflict with police.

police are just pushing the protesters back down out of this side street onto the champs—elysees. they've been pushing them up and down this street all morning and the tension is starting to rise. the police were well prepared for this confrontation, with armoured vehicles, new tactics and bag searches — seizing gas masks and helmets and anything that could be used against police. the tear gas, far stronger than usual, took many protesters by surprise. and rapid reaction squads marked out by orange armbands were stationed among the protesters to spot trouble and make early arrests. translation: we have to stay vigilant because there are still rioters out there. thank you to everyone who called for peace. now is the time for dialogue and to reunite the unity of the nation. that dialogue has already begun and must continue. despite the violence of previous protests, this movement still has the backing

of many voters in france. its members proud of their lack of leadership and the diversity of their support. sylvie is a far—left supporter. herfriend, christophe, is a fan of the far—right. they say the gilets jaune have united different people against president macron. translation: that is what macron does not like, that we are united. he has brought back solidarity among the french. we are united in combat for now. after that, who knows? but this movement is already splintering into two kinds of protest — one that looks towards a new political programme and a violent wing, opposed to any negotiation. it is hard to exclude and even harder to control. and lucy is in paris now. so, lucy, are further protests expected 7 well, there is no doubt this is a

victory for emanuel macron. the government was expecting protests that were very violent and very unpredictable and despite some of the dramatic pictures out of today, this demonstration was largely well contained. at least part of that is down to the sheer numbers of police officers here on the streets, 8000 officers here on the streets, 8000 of them in paris. and to the new tactics they were using, among those tactics, widespread arrests, more than 900 people taken into custody. i think that is going to be counted as something of a victory for the government but there is no doubt that president macron still faces a real political challenge. frustration with his reform programme and with political

leaders in general and it is that that gives this movement its momentum. thank you. amber rudd, the work and pensions secretary, has become the first government minister to openly discuss an alternative brexit strategy if the prime minister's deal is rejected in the commons on tuesday. she said she still supported theresa may's withdrawal agreement but it could be chaotic if mps didn't back the plan. she said a so—called "norway plus" option or another referendum would both be possibilities in such a situation. our political correspondent, iain, watson reports. you know what it's like in the run—up to christmas. you'll be told that great deals are available, but you'll be tempted to wait for the january sales. and one cabinet minister is telling mps that if they don't like the prime minister's brexit deal, then a different one could come onto the market. amber rudd supports theresa may's deal. she says it's the best option, but if it is defeated... if the house is not going to support no deal, it needs to come forward with an alternative deal. and i have seen that there is a lot of support for norway plus in the house of commons, there is a certain amount of support for a people's vote.

nobody knows what would happen. people should think very clearly, if they are not going to vote for the government's withdrawal agreement, whether they would prefer those alternatives. so what does she mean by norway plus? like norway, the uk would be outside the eu but with access to the single market. we would have greater control of our agriculture and fishing industries. and the "plus" bit — unlike norway, we would be inside the customs union, or something very like it, to avoid a hard border in ireland. but there would be fewer restrictions on freedom of movement and we would pay into eu budgets. you don't need me to tell you that we are living in extraordinary political times — and here is another example. cabinet ministers are expected to sing from the same hymn sheet, and notjust at this time of year. yet amber rudd is speaking openly about the defeat of her own government and setting out her preferred plan b. now, she doesn't want the prime minister to resign but theresa may's authority is looking less deep rooted. but some senior conservative figures say we don't have to be like norway

or have another referendum if theresa may's deal is defeated. instead, we could leave the eu without a fully—fledged deal. we should seek to put in place some ad—hoc temporary arrangements with the agreement of the european union which would minimise and perhaps even eliminate any disruption at the border on the 30th of march next year. there's not much festive cheer at westminster. the prime minister and amber rudd say the brexit deal will bring certainty. but some sceptical conservative mps believe pushing on with next week's vote would simply be a gift to the opposition. iain watson, bbc news, westminster. and iainjoins me now. on mrs may's deal, how much momentum is there for alternative plans in the event it fails? i think momentum is picking up and we should say first of all that was

not much momentum behind her own deal because this crucial weekend behind —— before the vote, the prime minister needs people to be coming her way and they seem to be going slightly in the other direction so tonight a ministerial aide has resigned, no offence to him, not a household name even in his own household. but here is somebody at the start of his ministerial career, 35 years old and ugly voter and pretty loyal a nd 35 years old and ugly voter and pretty loyal and he is not investing his future in theresa may and there is speculation that others at that level might consider resigning as well so against that backdrop it is unsurprising that ministers are talking more openly about what should happen if on tuesday the prime minister is defeated. while the interesting things about the amber rudd intervention is this idea of our another referendum or the norway option is to bring mps into line but amber rudd says that while this might not be desirable, they

are plausible options. thank you for that update. six people — five of them teenagers — have died after a stampede at a nightclub in italy. dozens were injured in the club in corinaldo near ancona on italy's east coast. it's reported that panic broke out at a concert after a substance like pepper spray was used. president trump says his chief of staff, john kelly, will leave his job at the end of the month. the retired marine corps general first served mr trump as homeland security secretary. he became chief of staff last year. our correspondent, danjohnson, is in washington. well, not much of a surprise because it had always been a tough jobjohn kelly trying to impose discipline and consistency on a white house marked by heavy turbulence and high staff turnover. john kelly was sometimes at the back of the room with his head in his hands as donald trump spoke of the calf or viewed from the script. the job of the

chief of staff is to tell the present things he does not want to hear and we don't know who will replacejohn kelly, whether it is someone replacejohn kelly, whether it is someone who can stand up to the president. there is a new there is a democrat controlled house of representatives that needs a new approach from the white house. while announced yesterday? it has been a tough 2a hours from donald trump with more revelations about the crimes of his lawyer, michael: further implicating the president in those payments to two women who said they had affairs with the president. and with the russian connections. david and distract is a tactic the president has used before. thank you. police in new zealand are preparing to charge a 26—year—old man with the murder of the british backpacker grace millane. grace was last seen in auckland a week ago. police say there's evidence she's dead but her body has yet to be found. simonjones reports. described by her family as lovely, outgoing, fun—loving. tonight, in grace millane's hometown in essex, people came together. ...to pray for the repose of the soul of grace millane.

shock that her disappearance is being treated as murder. this is very, very sad. devastating for the family, obviously, and friends. many of the young people in our parish knew her. some went to school with her and went on schooljourneys with her. so it will affect the parish really very badly. despite an extensive search, police have now reached this conclusion. the evidence we have gathered to this point in the inquiry has established that this is a homicide. grace's family have been advised of this development and they are devastated. police say a 26—year—old man will be charged with her murder when he appears in court on monday. grace arrived in new zealand last month and had been staying at a backpackers' hostel in auckland. she was last seen last saturday night entering a hotel in the city with a male companion, who the police say had been with her during the evening.

detectives have released pictures of jewellery they believe grace had with her — this necklace and a distinctive pink watch that are both missing from her possessions and could help them find her body. here at the catholic church in wickford, special prayers will be said for grace at services throughout the weekend. a moment of contemplation to mark a young life cut short. we have been extremely concerned for her welfare... grace's father had flown to new zealand to plead for help in finding her. now he needs to know where her body is. the police say they will do everything they can to return her to the family. simonjones, bbc news, wickford. with all the sport now, here's katherine downes at the bbc sport centre. good evening. a busy day at the top of the football leagues in both england and scotland. match of the day follows this programme, so if you want to wait, it's time to look away. liverpool are the new leaders of the premier league after they thrashed bournemouth 4—0.

manchester city lost for the the first time this season — beaten 2—0 by chelsea at stamford bridge. elsewhere, there were wins for arsenal, burnley, cardiff, manchester united, west ham and tottenham. kilmarnock‘s brief reign at the top of the scottish premiership came to a spectacular end today. they were beaten 5—1 by new leaders celtic. there were also wins for stjohnstone, hibs, hearts and livingston. england and scotland were drawn to face each other in their opening match of the women's world cup in france next year. japan and argentina complete the group for england and scotland, who last played each other at a major tournament at the euros last year — when england were 6—0 winners. our first time at the world cup. and yet, of course, you draw england in the first game. i know everybody will talk about what happened in the euros, but what we have to focus on is the full group and notjust one opponent. we knew it was going to be tough,

however we drew. something good is happening in scottish women's football. it's going to be a real tough start to the group. but i think when you look at the group, you see three great games, three special games, that all have a meaning to british football. i think that's why i'm really excited. in rugby union's champions' cup, glasgow had a huge win over lyon. but exeter‘s woes continue — one of the best in english rugby over the past three years, theyjust can't seem to find form on the european stage. patrick gearey reports. in exeter — as in westminster — europe's a tricky subject. why do the chiefs, one of the best teams in england, keep going out in the champions' cup group stages, especially when they are capable of rugby like this? don armand over, and it seemed exeter would dominate. but gloucester are a team of unexpected delights. meet ollie thorley. meet him only briefly if you try to tackle him. alex cuthbert eventually caught him. but by then, willi heinz was there to help. exeter came back, but the second half was gloucester territory. the numbers eventually told.

jaco visagie's try established a lead that they never lost. for exeter, the exit looms all too early. up in bath, it didn't feel particularly festive. 1,500 leinsterflags were confiscated for failing a health and safety test. you'd definitely struggle with a risk assessment if you are trying to get in the way of the european champions on a roll. sean cronin in the driving seat of the heavy machinery. that cancelled out a strong start by bath, who were still level when they opened the door forjordan larmour. he doesn't wipe his feet. from then on, bath were always chasing this. leinster, the favourites to win this competition, are showing no signs of flagging. patrick gearey, bbc news. there's more on the bbc sport website, including ronnie o'sullivan being on course for a record seventh uk snooker title. that's it from me. you can see more on all of today's stories on the bbc news channel. that's all from me.

hello. this is bbc news with martine croxall more now on the news that amber rudd has become the first cabinet minister to openly back an alternative to theresa may's brexit deal if she can't get it through the commons next week. the work and pensions secretary says the "norway plus" option is a possible plan b. it would mean the uk staying in a customs union with full access to the single market. earlier this evening — i spoke to the labour backbencher stephen kinnock who's been championing the "norway plus" plan for brexit. he began by telling me about his recent discussions with amber rudd on this subject. when amber was a backbencher, which of course just recently she has been brought back into the cabinet, she was part of our group, we have a cross party group of mps called the norway plus group and she was part of those discussions and we had very good conversations about the norway plus option. is it a very literal title, a good one.

why would this win support when many people who voted to leave said that what they did not want was freedom of movement of people, they did not want the customs union or anything like it and they don't want the single market. i have always believed that 52—48 result is a mandate to move house without leaving the neighbourhood, and that is what we have to deliver on. it is i think a mandate for a soft brexit, that means leaving the political institutions of the european union, and productive connections to the single market and also the customs union. in terms of free movement of labour, very important to note there are two very important safeguard measures and the eea agreement, article 112 and 113. they enable the suspension and reform of free movement of labour. i accept you would have to take very carefully about doing that, because they could take retaliatory measures. but the most important thing is they are in the treaty,

it is a well—established, well understood agreement, the eea agreement have existed since 1993, so it'll give us much more certainty and greater assurance of the free movement of labour. just how unilateral could the uk be in invoking those articles? i thought if you want to use those articles to stop freedom of movement, you had to go to the commission to make it a permanent arrangement, and discussions have to ta ke arrangement, and discussions have to take place? you can'tjust invoke them and expect it to stick? you invoke 112 unilaterally, you then make your case as to why you have invoked it in a special conference with the eu in order to negotiate the future. by the commission could say no. no, they cannot, actually. they cannot force us to return to the status quo. they have to accept our position, but they can then take retaliatory measures if compromise cannot be found. so, the risks with it is retaliatory measures.

norway has never invoked it because they're in the schengen area anyway and a common travel area with sweden, so they cannot invoke 112, but that is a political decision, sovereign parliament norway has taken. what cost would we be looking at for an arrangement like this? because another one of the arguments is we have spent far too much money to the european union and people want to stop doing that. the way the budget works is very different for the european economic area countries. they negotiate on the basis of gdp per capita, and you have a contribution you make then and it doesn't go into the central part of the european union budget. it is used to pay the cost of your participation in the agency and it goes into a pocket for the economic regeneration in the poorer parts of central and eastern europe, so you see where your money is going if you like and because our per capita gdp is far lower

than norway's, we would pay far lower, many analysts have estimated we would pay about half per capita what norway is currently paying, which is substantially less than what we are currently paying to the european union. your assessment of the mandate that the leave vote brought as license for soft brexit, of course is not shared by many people. a lot of brexiteers, they want a very hard brexit or even no deal at all to bring us under wto rules. how much more likely is this deal to be accepted by parliament than the one theresa may is pushing forward? the big challenge that parliament has had really since the 23rd ofjune, 2016, is interpreting the result. we had a binary referendum, which said remain or leave, but leaving can mean many, many different things. it is the job of parliament to interpret that and to turn it into reality, and in my opinion the manifestations of a 52—48 vote

is an eea—based brexit, it is actually the closest we'll get to delivering on 52—48. of course there'll always be maybe 10% of extremists at both ends the spectrum, that is the same in any political conversation, i think. but when it comes to it ourjob is to deliver on what we think the majority of the british people are looking for, interpret that mandate and once you have that interpretation, everything flows from there. the prime minister made a very ill judged speech at lancaster house where she said she thought leaving meant leaving the single market and the customs union, but those questions were never on the ballot paper, and indeed nigel farage two months before the referendum took place said let's look at norway and switzerland. they‘ re rich, happy, self—governing countries. would that really be so bad? what were we really voting for on the 23rd ofjune? i think there is a strong case for interpreting

a soft brexit as a mandate. police in new zealand are preparing to charge a 26—year—old man with the murder of the british backpacker grace millane. grace was last seen in auckland a week ago. police say there's evidence she's dead but her body has yet to be found. i've been speaking to gill higgins from tvnz — who told me what officers were saying about the suspect. basically, they just basically, theyjust said he is a 26—year—old man who was seen entering city life apartment with race on saturday night. we don't even know when they met that night. it seems the last cctv image of her before that was a burger bar a place called sky city. they have not said he was with hair then. that was a two—hour gap. in that time, she met him, they are not saying how she met him, they are not saying how she met him, always they have footage of him leaving the apartment, with or without her. we also don't know for

sure whether the car belongs to him. it isa sure whether the car belongs to him. it is a car of interest they are looking at, but we assume that it does and that they believe the car was used to transport grace's body somewhere. that is a key part of the inquiry now, trying to track the movement of that car on the sunday and also looking at dna fingerprint evidence, clothing fibres, to try to get more information about where grace's body might be. there was a nationwide appealfor grace's body might be. there was a nationwide appeal for information before a homicide announcement. what other information are police hoping to find? say that question again? there was a nationwide appeal for information before the homicide announcement from the public. what more do they need to hear from people? well, i think the key is that they really want to find grace's body. they have their suspect now, and they believe returning her body to the family is of utmost importance. for that, they need to trace where this car has been. we haven't even been given details of what a car looks like.

perhaps they are going to issue a photo of the car on monday morning, when they will help the next press conference. they have also released images of the necklace and the watch. again, we think that is because they are trying to track down anything that might lead them to her body. what has the reaction beenin to her body. what has the reaction been in new zealand, and the coverage it has had in the media? the coverage has been extensive. this is a really unusual situation for new zealand. we have a really low crime rate here. the latest figures say it is something like seven homicides per million. that is less tha n seven homicides per million. that is less than half what it is in the uk. it isa less than half what it is in the uk. it is a very low crime rate country. people are very proud of that. to have something like this happening in their home country is really horrific. that has been expressed on twitter, facebook, peoplejust talking about it, all the time, people are talking about this case. a lot of the feeling is that obviously there is a lot of heartache. just trying to imagine what it is like for grace's parents,

waking up to that news again this morning. also a little bit of shame that this has happened here. people saying that they are apologising on behalf of all kiwis, they feel terrible about it. it is something that has really hit home for a lot of people here. universal credit has been criticised for pushing people into "unacceptable hardship" — and now the bbc understands it will be rolled out in north kensington, just days before christmas — which could impact many of those affected by the fire at grenfell tower. the welfare reform scheme combines six different benefits into one monthly payment — but delays of up to 5 weeks have been blamed for rent arrears and a growing reliance on food banks. ashleyjohn—baptiste has more. maher has lived with polio since he was a child in syria. he moved to england a decade ago and lived in grenfell tower with his wife and three daughters. on the night of the fire, he hobbled down 13 flights of stairs through blackening smoke to escape with his family. they now live in this kensington

flat, still struggling with the impact of the fire and with his disability, maher is out of work and receives employment support allowance. he is worried about the rollout of universal credit. the move will affect people in the area who sign on from the 12th of december and existing claimants whose circumstances change. universal credit combines six different benefits and is paid monthly in arrears. people who switch to the scheme must wait five weeks for their first payment. but from next year, this will be reduced to three weeks. it's now been a year and five months

since the grenfell tower fire but still, many locals continue to struggle rebuilding their lives and moving forward. it is against this backdrop that some question whether days before christmas is the right time to be rolling out universal credit. the mp for kensington has set up this new food bank in time for christmas. she has written to the department of work and pensions asking them to stop the rollout. it is unthinkable, really. they're going to have another christmas now wondering whether or not they are going to be able to afford to buy food, let alone presents for their children. we have people coming to us were completely destitute, lost their home, they've been through the most horrific experience, may have lost family members and neighbours and friends, completely unsettled in their lives who are now destitute because of grenfell. we asked the government

for an interview. they declined, but gave us this reply... in his budget speech last month, the chancellor pledged to spend an extra £1 billion in universal credit over the next five years. in recent months, however, the welfare scheme has been blamed for causing destitution and increased foodbank usage. antonio, who lived in the 10th floor of grenfell tower, works in catering. although he doesn't plan to sign on, he is also critical. it is bad timing. when it comes to putting policies into place like this one, they should totally know the sense of reality, that's the right word, a sense of reality of what goes on in the normal life, in the normal world, in the normal working class people. ashleyjohn—baptiste, bbc news. it's time for a look at the weather with louise lear. good evening. it has been a

blustery, showery saturday right across the country. the showers took their time across the country. the showers took theirtime in across the country. the showers took their time in getting their act together, but when they arrived, boy, we knew about it. merging together for longer spells of rain for a time when they pushed in from west to east. those showers are still going to be a nuisance across ireland and wales as they go through the night, with plenty of isobars on the night, with plenty of isobars on the chart, that is where the strongest wind will be across wales in south—west england. the showers will start to drift steadily south