for viewers around the world. borisjohnson isjoined by the eu — in saying they're unlikely to strike a post—brexit trade deal by sunday — with differing interpretations of how a new relationship might look. it is going, it is a clause to keep the uk locked in to whatever they wa nt to the uk locked in to whatever they want to do in terms of legislation. they would remain free, sovereign if they wish to decide what they want to do. we would simply adapt to the conditions for access to our market accordingly. europe raises its target to cut greenhouse gas emissions — saying it now wants a 55 percent reduction by the end of the decade.

britain reduces the self—isolation period from m days to ten, for anyone who's come into contact with a positive case of covid—19 and also people returning from high—risk countries. british and russian scientists are planning a trial of a combination of the oxford—astrazeneca and sputnik vee vaccines to see if they're more effective. both boris johnson and the president of the european commission have spoken in gloomy terms about the likelihood of a post—brexit trade deal. in gloomy terms about the likelihood the two leaders have agreed to make a decision on the future of the negotiations by the end of the weekend. the sticking point seems to be over the uk's reluctance to cede some of its sovereignty to the eu

after it leaves — a point taken up today by both the uk prime minister and the head of the european commission. it was a covid welcome for the prime minister today at a firm providing energy for the future. more immediate trade talks, though, must be on his mind. negotiators are still working out which way they'll go up as borisjohnson warned again reaching agreement with the eu looks doubtful. it's looking, you know, very, very likely that we'll have to go for a solution that i think would be, you know, wonderfulfor the uk. we'd be able to do exactly what we want from january the 1st, though obviously it would be different from what we'd set out to achieve. but i have no doubt that this country can get ready, and as i say, come out on world trade terms. so, for those affected, what does that mean? this farm exports barley to the eu. if there's no deal comejanuary, world trade rules kick in, meaning tariffs or taxes on goods

moving between here and the continent, which could push costs up. i think for the industry as a whole, it'll be disastrous. we've got a perfect storm approaching of these support payments being taken away, brexit, possibly no deal and covid—19. all these things have come all at once, and that is a massive problem. there's already congestion at ports as global supply chains struggle with demand and covid restrictions. brexit will mean more change for businesses whatever the outcome of trade talks. the government says it is prepared that no deal could mean more disruption. both sides say they want an agreement, but that may well not happen because the same sticking points remain — access to fishing waters and shared regulations and standards. and on that, number 10 says the uk has to be able to make its own decisions and not be

tied to eu rules in future. from brussels today, the message was that's perfectly possible, but there'd be a price. they would remain free, sovereign if you wish, to decide what they want to do. we would simply adapt the conditions for access to our market accordingly the decision of the united kingdom, and this would apply vice—versa. so neither side shifting yet, but the door isn't entirely closed. translation: we believe finding a solution in the talks is difficult, but possible. that's why we as eu will continue negotiations as long as the window is open, even if it's only a crack. the negotiations are still ongoing. and i think the implications are very serious for all concerned in the event of a no—deal, and i think all politicians in the united kingdom and across europe need to reflect on that. so in brussels, the mood may be gloomy, but until sunday, which is decision day, they are still talking.

alex forsyth, bbc news. agreed to set a more ambitious target for cutting greenhouse gases in the next ten years. the deal comes in the next ten years. the deal co m es after in the next ten years. the deal comes after more than ten hours of grueling negotiations after the new proposals was met with resistance in some of the eu 27 states. the new aim is to cut by 55% from 1990 levels, that goal was once 40% but for some contacts from 2018, the eu had already reduced emissions from their 1990 peak. a 70% reduction in cool use from 2015 levels after a last—minute agreement with poland to provide the co—producing country with extra funding. 0ur commission chief usula van der leyen said the target put europe on a path towards climate neutrality by 2050. we will reduce emissions by at least

55% by 2030. and today, the agreement puts us on a clear path towards climate neutrality in 2050 and it gives certainty to investors, to businesses, the public authorities and the citizens. if future proves our union. could combining different coronavirus vaccines provide people with more protection from the virus? well british and russian scientists are teaming up to find out. they‘ re planning to trial a combination of the oxford—astrazeneca and sputnik v vaccines. the trials, to be held in russia, and will involve over—18s, although it's not clear how many people will be involved. 0ur moscow correspondent sarah rainsford has more on that. this is a really intriguing bit of news, given the kind of language that we have heard previously and

specifically from the russian backers vaccine, it is not a warm relationship of words at least, so, this is a very interesting potential collaboration in the scam in the form of a press release and we will begin recruiting volunteers take pa rt begin recruiting volunteers take part in trials, to see whether they're using the vaccine together with the second jab of the sputnik vaccine and create better protection against coronavirus and also potentially resolve some problems with accessibility to vaccines around the world generally and so, if you can mix and match different vaccines and match different vaccines and match different vaccines in the potentially absent production problems in supplying vaccines to different parts of the world. so, it is a very interesting collaboration, the details are so far pretty scarce, the company that's packing direction vaccine.

they could start as soon as this year. and the trust could take place in russia and suffer, there can be no more details. dr muhammad munir is a virologist with lancaster university here in the uk and hejoins us now. both of the vaccines, sputnik five based on the same technology that the virus case is loaded with and protein and our immune system is trained to produce the antibodies and responses. 0ne trained to produce the antibodies and responses. one of the major differences between both approaches is that sputnik five, they use

antivirus 26 and the second one is type five. the first of those give the immunity against the vaccine against the virus itself and sputnik five has been very high at 92% and they're five has been very high at 92% and they‘ re two different factors, five has been very high at 92% and they're two different factors, so this collaboration, i'm seeing a very good vaccine coming out by mixing both because you can avoid the immunity so we can train the immune system. these two vaccines, they work on the same format and you talk the protein, the coronavirus protein which type of the efficacy rate, they are slightly different. does that matter? yes, it does matter. for example, in the astrazeneca vaccine, since it is being used for two doses, one to 20

days apart, than the second dose is ransom the virus and it's neutralised by the existing immunity established by the first dose and by using two different approaches, neck can tackle this problem and it does matter because what we are looking at is to have the maximum protection not only just against the infection and the disease but also avoiding the spreading of the infection because we have to achieve to really curtail this pandemic in using two different approaches is going to certainly improve the efficacy. having two different doses as well, is there a concern that the body can potentially become more immune when it comes to the second dose? yes, absolutely. that is one of the reasons why the efficacy of astrazeneca has been high with small doses and it's because it is establishing is the first dose that

would not be allowing the second dose to be fully expressive and train the immune system and i think combining again both of these approaches concerning bringing some things that could be much better than just having a vaccine of astrazeneca. thank you much for your expertise. stay with us on bbc news. still to come: is it a case of being controlled or ofjust sharing the same rules? we look at how the question of sovereignty has shaped the brexit story. john lennon was shot at the entrance to the dakota building in the center of new york. there's been a crowd here standing in more or less silent vigil, and the flowers have been piling up.

the 14th cease—fire of this war ended at the walls of the old city of dubrovnik. this morning, witnesses said shells were landing every 20 seconds. people are celebrating the passing of a man they hold responsible for hundreds of deaths and oppression. elsewhere, people have been gathering to mourn his passing. imelda marcos, the widow of the former president of the philippines, has gone on trial in manila. she's facing seven charges of tax evasion, estimated at £120 million. she's pleaded not guilty. the prince and princess of wales are to separate. a statement from buckingham palace said the decision had been reached amicably. this is bbc news. the latest headlines: leaders from the uk and the european union have warned

the two sides are unlikely to reach a post—brexit trade deal by sunday — with big differences remaining in their respective positions. the eu has set a bold new climate goal — reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% on 1990 levels by the end of the decade. staying with our main story, that both uk prime minister and the head of the european commission have spoken in gloomy terms about the likelihood of a post—brexit trade deal. the sticking point seems to be over the uk's reluctance to cede some of its sovereignty to the eu after it leaves — here's boris johnson and ursula von der leyen. there are two key things that we cannot seem to make progress and thatis cannot seem to make progress and that is the wretched clause to keep the uk locked in to whatever they wa nt to the uk locked in to whatever they want to do in terms of legislation which, there's the whole issue of fish where we have to be able to

ta ke fish where we have to be able to take back control of our waters. they would remain free, sovereign, if you wish to decide what they want to do. we would simply adapt the conditions for access to our market accordingly in the decision of the united kingdom and this would apply vice versa. i'm joined byjill rutter, a senior research fellow with the uk. thank you very much forjoining us. help us with this idea of sovereignty. she almost raised an eyebrow when she said that word. sovereign, if you wish. what is this concept that we keep hearing about in terms of this whole brexit debate? if you go back to the referendum, where the big things of the people who want brexit in the referendum by boris johnson the people who want brexit in the referendum by borisjohnson and some the leaders of the campaign were to ta ke the leaders of the campaign were to take back control of our laws and by

that, they mean that rather than have 45 years in which lots of been made in europe in certain areas in the uk had to abide by them, the uk parliament and ministers here would make the laws and be held accountable for them and they would be overseen by uk courts and that has been a very big theme throughout the campaign and the sovereignty issueis the campaign and the sovereignty issue is when the big things of the brexit supporters they say it is not about better economic performance, it is about being in control and thatis it is about being in control and that is what they're worried about that is what they're worried about that the eu wants to maintain a degree of control after we've left. can you, just given the nature of entering into a trade agreement and any form of agreement, can you keep any form of agreement, can you keep any form of sovereignty. essentially, you're giving up some of your sovereignty, you're giving up of your sovereignty, you're giving up some of your rights in order to have that reciprocated by whoever you're entering into an agreement with. you are also making the

agreement to give away a bit of your sovereignty in return for which are perceived to be significant benefits. so, that is the treasurer making and come out of. basically,, she is saying that in the future, you will have every right to diverge from us but but it will come at a price. diverging and i'm not prepared to just stay on that condition and i'll take the tariffs now? 0r condition and i'll take the tariffs now? or does he want to go for a deal now with some agreement, hopefully reciprocal agreements of the vice was interesting when she said that. and if one is out of line, the other can take appropriate

measures. another kind of agreement, if you think there any other alliances, nato, the un, is there any element of giving up sovereignty in those? just explained, just aside from brexit at the moment. in a globalised world, you are giving away bits of sovereignty all the time in thejudgement away bits of sovereignty all the time in the judgement you are away bits of sovereignty all the time in thejudgement you are making is, doi time in thejudgement you are making is, do i want to sign up to this agreement? better next year the prime minister is going to host the big climate change conference. people want nations around the world all to be giving as much commitment as they can that they would deliver net zero facade that matter is usually because if they say they would do it but then don't, you're not going to deal with dangerous climate change. you need everybody to do it. making the sorts of commitments is a very different form of sovereignty that is really an important way of making the road

work. you can be completely free of any commitments to anyone else but thatis any commitments to anyone else but that is pretty isolationist sort of target if you would like. entering the trade agreement, borisjohnson he has already agreed to some sort of sovereignty because he is going to say, i'm not going to church ta riffs to say, i'm not going to church tariffs on eu goods we've heard a lot aboutjoining tariffs on eu goods we've heard a lot about joining the tariffs on eu goods we've heard a lot aboutjoining the wto and abiding by their rules and you could argue that is a degree of loss of sovereignty. it is all relative. but for a lot of brexit supporters, if remember that this comes from a history of being entwined with what they would see as a big overreaching organisation. the european union that, they think they like to dictate and go on dictating to the uk even with the uk has voted to leave. is just uk even with the uk has voted to leave. isjust too simplistic uk even with the uk has voted to leave. is just too simplistic to uk even with the uk has voted to

leave. isjust too simplistic to say that every agreement, every type of agreement that one goes into, a country, nation, there is a loss of sovereignty? some are purely volu nta ry sovereignty? some are purely voluntary and wishy—washy commitment but you'll find their commitments, you get wishy—washy benefits. so thatis you get wishy—washy benefits. so that is the choice you make and that is basically with the eu was saying. if you want but they say is very good access to the single market, i think it is debatable. they are facing a huge massive bureaucracy to go in treating a musket terms for now. i don't think it's a were near as good as access to the single market and basically, you'll want those benefits and you'll have to abide by our rules and that is a package. you take the obligations, you have the right to the obligations, but we have the right to say sorry, were not going to let you guys in. thank you very much for taking the time to talk us through

that complicated issue, but we appreciate your clarity. here in the uk — the period of self—isolation for people who've been in contact with those who've tested positive for coronavirus is to be cut from 14 to 10 days. the new rules — which already apply in wales — take effect in the rest of the uk on monday. the change will also apply to travellers quarantining after returning from abroad. the news came as data showed the number of coronavirus cases falling across most of england and northern ireland, but increasing in wales, london, and the east of england. here's our health editor hugh pym. contact tracing in action here in peterborough. local authority staff going door—to—door to find people who've been recent contacts of those who test positive. they're following up after initial attempts by the national test and trace service. the numbers that they've obviously been given, they can't contact them on,

so we just have to make that final call to their house. 0h, hello, i'm calling... for those contacted by the tracers, there's better news. they won't have to self—isolate for so long, after a review by health officials of scientific studies. all of those combined together show that the tail end of infectiousness, if you like, is the one where you're, an individual is least likely to transmit infection. so allowing somebody out of self—isolation a short time earlier than that is a reasonable balance between managing the risk to the public, but allowing us not to intrude on their lives. the self—isolation period will come down from 14 days to ten. that already happens in wales. it'll apply to contacts of those testing positive and people coming into the uk and needing to quarantine. it'll take effect on monday, though if someone's already started a 14—day isolation, it'll now be ten. if the r number is above one, it shows the virus is accelerating. today's update shows

it's just below one, though back where it was two weeks ago, suggesting no clear trend. though there are variations around the uk. the latest survey of community infections by the office of national statistics suggests that in england, one in 115 people had the virus last week, with case rates coming down in most areas, though they were on the increase in london and the east of england. in wales, it was one in 120 with the virus, with increases in recent weeks. in scotland, it was also one in 120, with case rates relatively stable. in northern ireland, one in 235 had the virus, with continued declines of case rates. covid marshals are patrolling some city streets, including birmingham's, reminding people that social distancing rules are as important as ever and that the virus is still a threat. hugh pym, bbc news. disney is the latest major studio to divert its focus

from cinema to streaming. it's just announced plans for several new television series based in the star wars universe. disney plus, which was launched just over a year ago, now has nearly 87 million subscribers — a figure far exceeding its own predictions for customer growth. 0ur entertainment correspondent lizo mzimba says disney's move is different to its competitors. this isn't a big change in course between cinema and streaming. what warner bros did was take their entire 2021 slate and say, "we're going to simultaneously put it on our streaming service, hbo max, when it's available." that's not what disney is doing. disney are reinforcing what they've said for the last year—and—a—half, and that their future, in many ways, belongs with their streaming service, disney+, and using their large and well—known back catalogue to expand into that. what disney have been great in doing in recent years is making acquisitions, and then exploiting that back catalogue. so it's got star wars, something that's got like 100% close to saturation awareness

amongst the audience. so what it's saying is, "we've got this channel, let's do a loaded tv series." the same with pixar, it said, "can we do something with toy story?" "oh, yes, buzz lightyear, the doll! let's do something based on the astronaut that the doll was based on as a new animated series." and keep going and going... absolutely — there's an old tom hanks film called turner and hooch. they're saying, "let's do a series based on that for the disney streaming channel." so, it's not stuff that was intended ever for cinema that they're moving on to streaming. there have been readjustments for that with covid and the current outlook in cinemas, the live—action mulan movie did that earlier this year. when it was intended to go into cinemas, it instead went to disney+. but things like black widow, the next film in the marvel series, will be going to cinema, the two new big star wars films — they announced one which we knew was coming from taika waititi,

the writer and director, and from pattyjenkins, who is the woman behind wonder woman, who directs that. her new star wars film will be going into cinemas in 2022—23. so it's not them readjusting in that kind of direction, but what disney have always been great at is taking that incredible back catalogue of familiar material they have and thinking, "how can we expand this and make more money out of this?" they've got a brand—new streaming channel which is outperforming expectations at the moment, so they're filling it with as much material as they possibly can. a song released 26 years ago — a beloved christmas favourite — has finally reached number one in the charts. mariah carey's all i want for christmas was kept off the top spot by east 17's stay another day back in 1994. but now it's knocked ariana grande off the top spot.

will be back shortly. goodbye for now. hello, good evening. the weekend promises rain for some of the time. not all of the time, though. there will be some brighter glimpses. today brought heavy rain in places. that was how it looked on the aberdeenshire coast. the rain was pretty persistent here. whereas for some other places, the skies actually brightened a little. the cloud broke there on the south coast of england. we saw a little bit of late sunshine. this is how friday panned out with this band of rain across eastern areas. that rain really was quite persistent across parts of eastern scotland. some showers following on from the west, but there were also some breaks in the cloud. now, as we head through this evening and tonight, we'll continue to see extensive cloud and some showery rain, this heaviest across western areas. although the far west, northern ireland and eventually west wales and the south west of england will see clearer skies

by the end of the night. that could allow for some pretty chilly conditions here late on in the night. for most underneath the cloud, it is not going to be particularly cold. but those clear skies in the west come courtesy of a ridge of high pressure, a very transient feature, but this is going to bring bright weather for some of us during the day tomorrow. having said that, it's going to be a pretty cloudy and damp start with some showery rain across much of scotland, northern england, the midlands, east anglia, the south east. the further west you are, though, you can see we're peeling the cloud away from the map. more and more sunshine developing, still with the potential for one or two showers. the winds will be relatively light, temperatures getting up to around eight, nine or ten degrees. so, we have this slice of clear sky, which is going to continue to transfer eastwards during saturday evening. and clear skies at night at this time of year will allow temperatures to drop. and you can see from our temperature chart where we have the green and even blue shadesjust spreading eastwards.

underneath our zone of clear skies, the potential for a touch of frost, possibly some fog patches, too. but temperatures rise by the end of saturday night out west because the winds will be strengthening and we'll see the arrival of some rain. some pretty heavy bursts of rain driving north—eastwards through the day on sunday, accompanied by strong winds. these are the sorts of gusts we can expect. some exposed coasts could see gusts of 50 mph or a little bit more. but with those winds coming up from the south, it'll be mild for many, with highs of 12—13 degrees.

this is bbc news. our main headlines: the uk and the eu are pressing on with post—brexit trade talks, but both sides say they're getting ready for a no deal. both sides say a trade deal is looking unlikely. european union leaders have agreed to cut greenhouse gases by 55% on 1990 levels by the end of the next decade. the target aims to make europe climate neutral by 2050. british and russian scientists are collaborating on a trial of a combination of the oxford—astrazeneca and sputnik v vaccines to see if it gives better protection against coronavirus. the sputnik vaccine is still undergoing late stage trials. the self—isolation period is being reduced from 14 days to ten for anyone who's come into contact with a positive case of covid—19 and also people returning from high—risk countries.

hello, you are watching bbc news. the nhs in wales will not be able to cope by christmas if covid—19 cases continue to rise at their current rate — those are the words of the first minister, mark drakeford. his government is due to publish a new plan of restrictions next week. today, all secondary school pupils in wales have been sent home until the new year, and mr drakeford announced that all outdoor christmas attractions will be closed. in scotland, 11 council areas in the top tier of restrictions have moved down a level — with nonessential shops reopening. but the first minister, nicola sturgeon, urged people to do their christmas shopping locally, and not to travel out of their areas. northern ireland, too, has seen an easing of restrictions today. we'll be reporting from there and from scotland shortly. but first, hywel griffith sent this report from cardiff. the areas that you've picked up... a final face—to—face for this term. from monday, these pupils in cardiff will be learning online from home to try to stop the spread of the virus. for 17—year—old tilly, it really doesn't feel

like christmas has come early. we should've been told earlier, so then we could've been more prepared for it. but now, because we haven't, we feel that we're stressed, the teachers are stressed, everyone just doesn't know what's going on. the headteacher here says it's the right decision, but a week too late. dozens of parents had already withdrawn their children. either we survive the inevitable chaos as children and families vote with their feet, or we gain control and provide confidence and give as high—quality learning as we possibly can. this pre—christmas crackdown extends here, too. the stores can stay open, but all the fun of this fair will be shut down, classed as outdoor entertainment. and even tougher restrictions may lie ahead. if those measures do not succeed in turning the tide of the virus, then it is inevitable that we will have to consider

a move to alert level four immediately after christmas. what does level four mean? well, almost certainly another welsh national lockdown to start on december the 28th, unless this rapid rise in cases somehow slows. with limited shopping time till christmas, this glasgow gift shop is fully stocked and ready to make up for lost time. delighted to be back open again. you know, obviously being closed for three weeks at this time of year is challenging. browsing for gifts, this mother and daughter are keen to help local businesses. just lovely to be in and support them. and i always get the right kind of gifts here. i like going to shops to actually see things and even see people. it's nice to be out and about again. glasgow's george square is usually a festive highlight, but not this year.

there's no christmas market, there's no hustle and bustle and there's no echo of excited children, yet another signal that 2020 is very different for most of us. this hairdressers only opened injuly. it's been a challenging start. but now they plan to work every day until christmas. i think everyone's ecstatic to be back at work. it's been a big blow having to close down for three weeks when there are equals in edinburgh or elsewhere in the country have managed to stay open and have been working throughout. for emma, the salon opened in the nick of time, as she gets married tomorrow. itjust makes such a difference, especially since my wedding photos will be photographs i'll keep forever. and you just want to look your best. the restrictions may be less severe, but it could be some time until our daily lives get back to normal.

it was back to the grind in northern ireland today as businesses reopened again after another fortnight of strict closures. for some, that meant hitting the gym. it's really noticeable in people's well—being and sort of mental outlook when they don't have the gym, so it's just great to see it open. for others, hitting the shops. it's happy days to get christmas stuff in. it's great, good to be out and about and see a bit of normality again. but there's still concern over infection rates. from today, 50 schools in belfast wrote to the devolved government calling for an extended closure for the christmas holidays. northern ireland's health minister today warned that lockdown restrictions are likely to return in the new year. how strict they are and what they actually look like will depend on people's actions over the next few weeks, so that's why the simple ask is, please use this time wisely and responsibly. a number of bars in northern

ireland, like the limelight here, usually one of the busiest places in town, have now decided not to reopen until next year after all even though they are permitted to if they serve food, saying the restrictions restraints are just a little too much to put on a proper night out. those that have opened today have done so in the knowledge that it may be only a matter of time before they're asked to close again. emma vardy, bbc news, belfast. let's bring you an update on the situation with the brexit talks, because a government source has confirmed that the prime minister chaired a meeting earlier in the cabinet room with michael gove and senior officials in charge of post december 31 readiness to do a stock—taking of no—deal plans. let us stock—taking of no—deal plans. let us work out what that means. 0ur political correspondent jonathan blake is in westminster. this is just this isjust details this is just details coming this isjust details coming in right now of this meeting that was chaired a little bit earlier in the cabinet room. what are they... just bring us

up—to—date with what we do know about this. partey much over the a byss about this. partey much over the abyss said. a downing street source confirmed what you just said... the minister in charge, michael gove, of this, leaving december 31 at the end of the transition period and other senior officials working area. we are told this was a stock—taking of no—deal plans and it was chaired by the prime minister in the cabinet room inside number 10 downing street earlier on today. any other day of the week, any other time, that would be fairly unremarkable, and perhaps it was nothing more than a semi routine update for the prime minister, but it is notable that devin —— downing street is making us aware

of this, with the negotiations in brussels deadlocked over the prospect of a free—trade deal with the european union, described today the european union, described today the prime minister is very, very unlikely to reach the conclusion of an agreement. so perhaps a signal to brussels here that the prime ministers taking seriously the prospect of not reaching a deal in those talks and starting that new period on january the 1st of those talks and starting that new period onjanuary the 1st of next year on wto rules, which at this point in time, things could change at any moment, but right now, that looks to be the most likely outcome. and as you say, on any other day, we would not necessarily be looking at this closely, but we are looking at any detail coming out, any snippet of information. this comes after russells was issuing its contingency plans, its preparedness plans, as where, so read into that, the mood music very glum —— after brussels

was. for those hoping for a deal, and that is still the position of the uk and the eu, it does look a little bit gloomy. both sides now saying that they think that a no—deal outcome is most likely. all the eu a few days ago published detailed contingency plans for four different areas, ranging from fishing to travel and beyond, those are yet to be met with agreement from the uk, so it is unclear, really, in many different ways, how things will work if there is no deal beyond december the 31st, but the government has been preparing for that for many months now, and longer under the previous administration with theresa may in charge as well, and there has been a high—profile advertisement campaign running on tv, radio, online and in newspapers urging businesses to get ready for that date, but the complaint has

come back from businesses that this if we do not know the detail of what they are getting ready for, so this may well have been an update for the prime minister on the preparedness now three weeks out from that date, into what shape the uk is in, what shape the uk economy is in to be able to deal with that outcome. jonathan, as always, thanks so much for talking us through that. jonathan blake in westminster. an egyptian man dubbed bin laden's spokesman in europe has returned to the uk following his jail sentence in the united states. adel bary was released from a us prison and deported after a senior new yorkjudge concluded the prisoner had a high risk of contracting covid—19. in 1998, bary was the europe—based publicist for al-qaeda leaders and told journalists that the terror group had bombed us embassies in east africa. tributes are being paid to the victims of a house fire in cambridgeshire which has claimed the lives of two young children.

the blaze broke out in st neots yesterday morning, with around 40 firefighters battling to dampen down the flames. an investigation into the fire has concluded that the likely cause was an electrical fault. jon ironmonger reports. the sudden senselessness of this fire has floored the residents of a tight—knit community who woke up yesterday to smoke and tragedy. well, you only have to look at the blackened walls of this property to understand how ferocious this fire was. it's ripped through the first and second floors — and when fire officers arrived, there were flames pouring out of the windows. two occupants had already escaped — a 46—year—old man who wasn't badly hurt, and a 35—year—old woman who was taken to addenbrooke's hospital with serious, life—changing injuries. her two children were still inside the property — a three—year—old boy and a seven—year—old girl. fire crews did everything they could to rescue them, but both died at the scene.

it's a tragedy for the family, for the local community, and also all the emergency responders from all the agencies that attended yesterday. and we are now putting welfare support in for the cruise, as well, but clearly it is, you know, it's a really difficult incident for those. —— for the crews. fire officers have spent the day coming through the debris, and their investigation has now concluded. the likely cause, according to police, was an electrical fault in the first floor bedroom. there are no suspicious circumstances, and the home, we understand, was fitted with a working smoke alarm. meanwhile, a blanket of flowers and tributes has been steadily growing outside. 0ne card reads, "keep holding each other‘s hands. we'll look after your mummy and daddy." jon ironmonger, bbc news. tributes have been pouring in for dame barbara windsor, who's died at the age of 83. her acting career spanned more than 60 years.

she found fame in the carry on films of the 19605 and ‘70s and went on to spend nearly 20 years behind the bar of the queen vic in tv soap eastenders, playing the formidable landlady peggy mitchell. barbara windsor was diagnosed with alzheimers disease in 2014, and she spent the last few years of her life campaigning for wider understanding of the condition. 0ur entertainment correspondent david sillito looks back at her life. barbara giggles that'll do, that'll do. all right, girls, get in the coach, and you get on with the loading. barbara windsor — funny, cheeky and much loved. so we were told to bring the minimum of clothing. now, really let's see those chests come out! the tributes today to a star whose career goes back almost 70 years. 0oh, matron, take them away! a career that ended with eastenders and this scene. alzheimer's was already beginning to take hold. we asked how she would remember her friend and co—star.

with sadness, with, i suppose if i'm rational, a certain amount of relief. for somebody to have that awful condition, when they've been such a ray of light and a person of such joy and life, yes, it is a relief. born barbara ann deeks, the daughter of a barrow boy, she began acting as a teenager. it was joan littlewood of the theatre workshop that saw her star quality. oh, what a lovely war, things ain't what they used to be, sparrows can't sing. the fame and the glamour also attracted some shady companions, such as the krays. but it was the carry on films that made her a star. hi. her entrance was always an excuse for something slightly saucy.

have you got a large one? i've had no complaints so far. he cackles # up to the west end! # but after those nine carry on films, there were some lean years. until she found peggy. grant! mum. i heard you were back, i was going to give you a call. then why didn't you, you useless great lump? peggy mitchell in eastenders, the new landlady of the queen vic, was a role made for her. you're unfit to be a father! don't you dare turn your back on me! get off me! 22 years on albert square... get out of my pub! ..which ended with barbara becoming dame barbara. dame babs sounds nice, doesn't it? but my mum would like it to be dame barbara. she was a bit of a cockney snob, my mum. so it would be, "dame barbara." god, what would she be thinking now? what would she be thinking? but she already knew her memory was beginning to fail.