you are watching good afternoon. the prime minister and his cabinet are holding a conference call this lunchtime to discuss what's being described as the "alarming rate" the coronavirus is spreading in london and south east england. new measures — although it hasn't been specified what — are said to be under discussion — there will be a news conference this afternoon. earlier this week leaders across the uk issued stricter guidance ahead of the temporary relaxation of the rules over christmas. our political correspondent,

jessica parker, reports. not long now, christmas comes in less tha n not long now, christmas comes in less than a week. and some families are agonising over what to do. leanne in london is self isolating for two weeks ahead of c hopes travelling to see family. she is now waiting to see what the government says top yellow if they cut it down or stop it altogether with literally four days to go, it is going to be a massive u—turn and it will upset and disappointed a lot of people, but if they do do that, then i understand white. the law is set to rule out some limited temporary household mixing this christmas, but leaders across the uk have called for people to exercise caution. yesterday the prime minister pointed to worries about the virus's spread.” prime minister pointed to worries about the virus's spread. i don't think this is the moment to let the bra kes think this is the moment to let the brakes off to much anywhere. but it is it time to go further? today reports that travel restrictions are

being considered by ministers, there is growing concern in government about a new variant of the virus in england and the rates of transmission in the south—east. england and the rates of transmission in the south—eastm is at the moment open to debate whether the virus has altered or weaponised itself a bit more. what weaponised itself a bit more. what we do believe at the moment is that it hasn't changed sufficiently to place it beyond the reach of the protection conferred by the vaccines we are using. and it doesn't appear where people catch this new variant to make them any elder than the original coronavirus. it might just be better at spreading. boris johnson has said he doesn't want to ban christmas or criminalise people's plans but does the strength and advice such as keeping visits short and avoiding overnight stays need to be stronger still? short and avoiding overnight stays need to be stronger still7m short and avoiding overnight stays need to be stronger still? if they don't want to change the law i think they can be clearer about what is and isn't a dash advisable because it would be an enormous tragedy if we had a spike in deaths at the end of january or february because we took off but off the pedal this

close to having a vaccine. after christmas wales and northern ireland already have a new lockdowns planned, boris johnson already have a new lockdowns planned, borisjohnson hasn't ruled another one out for england. further action may be on the table, now decisions must be made. and jessica parkerjoins me now. jess, what are we expecting from this press conference? as you say we have just heard there will be at press conference this afternoon and i think to signify it is important, you look at the line—up, the prime minister, the chief scientific adviser and chief medical officer, we havejust had some words through from the chief medical officer chris whitty who says as announced on monday, there is the new variant of covid. as a result of the rapid spread, he says, of the new variant, a preliminary modelling and rapidly reading incident rates in the south—east, the nerve tag group now thinks this new strain can spread more quickly and they have alerted the world health organisation and are continuing to analyse the available data to improve their understanding.

he also emphasises there is no evidence to suggest the new strain causes a higher mortality rate or that it affects the vaccines and treatments, so i think we will hear a lot about that this afternoon. the government source telling me this morning that the virus is spreading atan alarming morning that the virus is spreading at an alarming rate in london and the south—east. my understanding is that there was a call last night involving lasers where this idea of travel restrictions was discussed. there is obviously a cabinet call going on this lunchtime and the press c0 nfe re nce going on this lunchtime and the press conference later on today. new measures as i understand it are being discussed. we do not know what is going to be announced this afternoon that we will find out in the coming hours. jessica parker, thank you. the retail and hospitality sectors have faced unprecedented challenges this year because of the pandemic. this weekend millions more people in england have gone into the highest tier of restrictions — on this, the last shopping weekend before christmas. our business correspondent katy austin reports. as of this morning, the residence of reading and berkshire are among 38 million living under tier 3

restrictions in england. shops are open but entertainment venues must close and cafes and restaurants can only do take way. for places like this the move into tier 3 is coincided with the last weekend before christmas stop traditionally the biggest one of the year for retailers here. businesses have put money into decorations to try to make the town centre field tested, and a place people want to come. the question is how many people will? they don't let you in if there is too many people so it seems to be all right. i thought i would come down early because i wanted to get in before gets too busy. we have still got to carry on, haven't we, but safely hopefully. this gift shop says there has been a rise in online orders but tried on the high street has just got orders but tried on the high street hasjust got harder orders but tried on the high street has just got harder and harder. orders but tried on the high street hasjust got harder and harder. we have got half the staff we normally would have and we are just not taking anywhere near we would at christmas and obviously for us christmas and obviously for us christmas is what keeps us going for the rest of the year. having spent time and money making his shop covid

secure, this jeweller is time and money making his shop covid secure, thisjeweller is hoping shoppers come and support local businesses. levels not quite what they were for 2019 and comparison but we have been cut happy with the level of business going back and we are optimistic what is coming and la st are optimistic what is coming and last or so of december. while retailers hope to save something from their crucial christmas period, for pubs like this one in portsmouth, tier 3 means total closure for the time being, 100 bookings have had to be cancelled for christmas day dinner alone. we we re for christmas day dinner alone. we were fully booked up until the 28th of december throughout every single session, so we of december throughout every single session, so we are of december throughout every single session, so we are actually going to have to let down quite a few people. we are losing between 15 and £20,000 profit alone next week based on the bookings that we had. amid concern over rising infections in some words of the country, businesses that are still open ones to reassure their customers they have done all they can be safe. katy austin, bbc news. italy has announced a nationwide lockdown for much of the christmas

and new year period in an effort to halt the rising number of infections. bars and restaurants will be closed and movement restricted. the country has the highest number of covid—related deaths in europe — more than 67,000. nine people have been killed after an oxygen ventilator exploded at a hospital treating coronavirus patients in southern turkey. the blast caused a fire in the intensive care unit of the private sanko university hospital at least one of the patients died while being transferred to another hospital. the victims were aged between 56 and 85. with all the sport now, here's sarah mulkerris at the bbc sport centre. including that dismal performance. good afternoon. it was one of the most incredible batting collapses in cricket history. it happened during the first test between australia and india in adelaide — and india started the day

with nine runs on the board and just one wicket down, and yet they were all out forjust 36. so it is the lowest total by any team, in test cricket since 1955, the joint fourth worst of all time, and india's poorest ever. give credit to australia's fearsome bowlers, whom england will have to face next year, but india in their second innings collapsed in less than two hours. what's more, they had been leading in this match after the first innings. australia needed just 90 to win in the end, and won by eight wickets. i don't think we have ever had the worst batting performance, so it can only go up as from here. as a team we can do special things when we think of partnerships and batting together, so i am confident we will inspect strongly in the next one and i have no doubt you will see guys

stepping up and realising their true characters and doing a job for the team. there are four matches in the premier league and four later in the scottish premiership today. the action's already under way at selhurst park, where crystal palace are hosting the league leaders liverpool. they're just approaching half—time and liverpool are leading 2—0. takumi minamino with the first goal. and sadio mane hasjust made it two. tonight, british boxer callum smith is looking tojoin boxing royalty, by beating arguably the best boxer on the planet, the mexican saul canelo alvarez. and he won't be the first in his family to try and accomplish that. alex gulrajani has the story. the challenge callum smith has waited for. looking up at him, a shot at greatness. he may look diminutive against his british opponent, but saul canelo alvarez is a man to be feared. a world champion in four different weight divisions, the mexican is one of the best paid athletes in the world. his only defeat in 56 bouts came against another than floyd mayweather.

but that was seven years ago. so, smith is up against one of the best across all weights in boxing, but that doesn't seem to faze him. i know how good he is, i like his style, but i believe i'm good enough to go in there and beat him. am i going to go in and have an easy night's work? probably not. i know it's going to be tough, but at the highest level, you've got to expect it every time. and he's got a bit of inside information. his brother liam shared nine rounds with canelo back in 2016, and has provided some valuable insight. that is the combo, i told callum, he throws a lot. if you watch him through the fights, he throws right, left, right, and touches down with the left and brings the right over. i'd have bit your hand off now if i was callum's size and callum's punch power in this fight. i'm confident in me own power. he is human. he is defensively pretty good. he's hard to catch clean, but if you do catch him clean, i do believe i can have an effect.

given the pandemic, fight week in texas is a little bit more low—key than you'd usually expect when two of the very best meet. but that may just suit the quiet man of british boxing and his quest for global recognition. alex gulrajani, bbc news. and finally, later today, the eyes of the golfing world will be trained in on a possible future star, because tiger woods is playing along with his 11—year—old son charlie in an annual father and son championship in florida. charlie's swing has come in for lots of praise over the last few days, and his dad looks to be happy taking a back seat for a change. a nice observation too from three times major winner padraig harrington who said, "this is the first tournament i've played in, where tiger woods hasn't been the star of the show. everybody is stopping to watch charlie." you can see why that's all the sport for now.

you can see the prime minister's news conference live on bbc one this afternoon — our coverage begins from 3.30. bye for now. hello. you're watching the bbc news channel. let's get more on our top story — a cabinet meeting this afternoon following concerns about a new variant of coronavirus, that's been linked to rising cases in the south—east of england. ministers are believed to be considering restrictions to limit the spread, although sources say no decisions have been taken. wales and northern ireland have already announced post—christmas lockdowns. and a reminder, join us later this afternoon for a news special on bbc one and the bbc news channel when we're expecting a news

conference from the prime minister and his chief medical and scientific advisers. conference from the prime minister and his chief medical and scientific advisers. the virologist and presenter of the naked scientist podcast, dr chris smith, says this new strain could mean the government having to call for another nationwide lockdown after christmas. if you look at the wording that was used earlier in the week by downing street, they said that they have no plans at this time to change the guidance. but having no plans doesn't mean that they won't subsequently. the fact that there has been a movement in advice in some of the other nations — nicola sturgeon in scotland asking people to confine their activities to one day — three households, but meeting them in one day. in wales, two households. so there's been a movement in recognition of the fact that the levels are rising. so we might see some additional

tweaking around the margins, but i think the core principle that there is this christmas bubble, that is this opportunity to get together, because borisjohnson has said "i don't want to disturb people's long term, well made plans." i think they are going to be appealing, really, to people's common sense, and they will see the numbers. and i know a lot of people who have been asking me are saying they are very worried by the numbers when they look at the map and they see people shifting up tiers — 60% plus of the country in tier 3 now. and so, as a result, many people i think are adopting a common—sense approach, and they are changing their plans already. in terms of what we know about this new variant, how much research has it been possible to do thus far? well, as one of your clips quite rightly stated, all viruses mutate. in other words, they gently change their genetic code. and this is because they make spelling mistakes when they are copying their genetic information as they grow, and some of those genetic spelling mistakes actually confer upon the virus and altered appearance, and those subtle

differences in the appearance of the virus mean that it is in some cases able to spread better. in other cases, it is not recognised by the immune system quite so well. in other cases, both of the above apply. at the moment, theyjust know that this new variant, which has got some changes in the outer coat, the spike protein of the virus has been picked up in certain parts of the country. it mirrors the changes that have been picked up in other countries. it hasn't suddenly popped up. it maps onto the areas in the country where there have been big increases in the rate of transmission. one possibility is that it is transmitting more. another possibility is that if you go to a place where there is a lot of virus activity, you will find more of these variants. at the moment, it is open to debate as to whether the virus has altered or weaponised itself a bit more. what we do believe at the moment is that the virus has not changed

sufficiently to put it beyond the protection of the vaccine. it doesn't appear that this new variant makes anyone any iller than the original coronavirus, itjust seems to be spreading faster. so you will get more cases, but not necessarily more in all cases. italy has ordered a nationwide lockdown over much of the christmas and new year period in an effort to combat a rise in coronavirus cases. the country has recorded the highest covid death toll in europe. meanwhile, switzerland has become the first country in continental europe to approve the pfizer/biontech vaccine. nickjohnson reports europe's worst affected country. italy has thousands of deaths. the country is preparing for another lockdown. this time over christmas

and new year. translation: we must intervene but this is not an easy decision. it is difficult to set out measures to face the holidays. most shops will close and restrictions on household mixing will tighten. austria has a mass testing programme due to get under way in the new year. rising rates in sweden have forced the government to make a u—turn on facemasks. for the first time, swedes are advised to cover their faces on public transport in rush—hour. translation: a maximum amount of customers will be allowed in shopping centres and gyms. if this does not have a required effect, we could close these activities. in france, president macron continues

to self—isolate after testing positive for coronavirus. questions have been asked about whether he properly followed social distancing guidelines after a eu summit. several leaders are isolating following this meeting. switzerland has become the first country in continental europe to approve the pfizer vaccine. they sate the benefits outweigh the risks. but they are gearing up for another lockdown as cases continue to rise. prime and still be giving a press conference this afternoon. this has been confirmed that it will be at full pm and it will be the with the chief medical officer and chief

scientific adviser. the news conference is scheduled to begin at full pm. we have had these news conferences slipped in the past because it is a developing story and do sometimes have to pause and take further advice but what he's going to say. don't be surprised if it is not actually at full pm. it won't be any earlier than that and we will be on with it from 3:30pm. on with it staying with the virus — americans will soon have a second have a second vaccine, developed by the biotech company moderna. has given the go—ahead for it to be used. the fda has given the go—ahead for it to be used. distribution of almost six million doses is due to start happening today, with vaccinations possible as early as monday. rural areas are likely to benefit in particular, because the vaccine doesn't need to be kept at ultra—cool temperatures.the bbc‘s washington correspondent, lebo diseko reports. one more hard earned victory against coronavirus. the moderna vaccine is now the second to get emergency use authorisation.

nearly six million doses will be sent out around the country. deliveries could start as early as monday, with immunisations beginning hours later. it's the second vaccine to be developed and approved in the us in less than a year, widely regarded as an incredible scientific feat, one that the had of the fda said was based on science and need. this authorisation was guided solely by science and data. we worked quickly based, based on this global pandemic, not based on any external pressure. even though the process has been expedited, we have not cut corners, but rather have cut through regulatory red tape, which can sometimes slow down the process. president trump marked the occasion with a tweet, but around one third of the americans said they would not take the vaccine. earlier, vice president, mike pence, did his bit to try to boost confidence. he was given the pfizer vaccine live on tv. with cases rising across the country, with hospitalisations

rising across the country, we have a way to go. but vigilance and the vaccine is our way through. that message of vigilance is one that many will say it has come too late. infection rates are rising around the country and each week a grim new record is reached. on wednesday, the country recorded the highest number of both new cases and deaths since the pandemic began. 3656 people lost their lives, more than the number who died on 9/11. in southern california, hospitals are now completely out of icu beds. patients queue outside waiting to be treated. with christmas around the corner, there are fears that gatherings might lead to another surge in infections. the warnings are that things could get worse before they get better. india has become the second country to record ten million coronavirus cases.

but the rate of infection in the country is continuing to slow. the deceleration comes despite india having some of the most densely populated cities and the lifting of many lockdown measures. india is considering seeking emergency authorisation for three vaccines. india has third highest life losses due to the pandemic with just over 145,000 deaths. in australia, the annual sydney to hobart yacht race has been cancelled for the first time in nearly eight decades, because of a covid outbreak in sydney. the australian authorities have begun imposing border restrictions after 28 cases were identified in the sydney suburbs. organisers of the race — which takes place in the week between christmas and new year say they're bitterly disappointed. race has never been far from the news this year — from the black lives matter protests to the election of kamala harris as the us's first black and indian vice president. and that's had an effect on personal relationships,

according to the founders of a free online platform celebrating black this and asian relationships. they say that for many south asians, dating black men or women was a taboo — but that's now changing. nalini sivathasan reports. might mark it took these people ten yea rs might mark it took these people ten years to find another couple who looks like them. now through a project, they are connecting with thousands of black and asian couples. not only in the uk, but over the world. but one issue dominates. one of the most asked questions is, how do i introduce my partner to my parents? this situation can be influenced by the

caste system, calories, and respect pa rents. caste system, calories, and respect parents. it is difficult. it is important for our children. they are growing up as mixed—race children and we want them to be comfortable in their own skin. the poor have started online workshops to navigate these tricky introductions. sorry, i can't talk too loud because i am at home with my family. i have been living with my partner for two and a half years now and i am so sick of living a double life. mixed-race relationships are on the rise but there is not much data on black and asian couples. on platforms such as this one, couples can connect. this

woman was helped to introduce her boyfriend to her parents.|j woman was helped to introduce her boyfriend to her parents. i was terrified. it was hard for me to look my dad in the eyes. one of the things that stuck with me was finding people on your family to be on your side. i definitely get that. my on your side. i definitely get that. my brother was one of the first people in my family to meet michael. recent protest are starting to shift anti—blackness in the asian communities. and telling my mum about kamal harris, saying she is indian and black. that will be our kids. back in the uk, there has been increased interest in this platform.

you look at places like the caribbean, uganda. our communities have been mixing together so obviously we have had relationships for a long time. what helps celebrating stories about black and asian races now, this will not be an issue for next generation. asian races now, this will not be an issue for next generation. boeing has been accused of inappropriately coaching pilots, who took part in test flights to re—certify the 737 max airliner. the plane was grounded after almost 350 people died in two crashes. investigators accused boeing and officials from the federal aviation administration of "attempting to cover up important information". boeing said it was reviewing the findings and took them "seriously". the faa defended its conduct. for more than 150 years, the taylor's bellfoundry in loughborough has been casting bells that have rung throughout the land. but this year, it's been at risk of permanent closure. now, just in time for christmas, the historic foundry has been saved thanks to millions of pounds from the national lottery. jodie law has been to visit.

bells chime there are taylor bells literally all around the world. wherever the sun is shining, you can hear a taylor bell. with its rich history in bell making, taylor's bell foundry in loughborough has secured its future with an early christmas present — a grant of almost £3.5 million from the national lottery. it will be used to carry out repair works on the grade two star listed building and improve the visitor experience. repair the roofs, repair the guttering — where we have got walls trying to fall over, it will repair that. but the big thing of course, it will help us invest in the tourist part of the function here. we have a lot of tourists around every year. thousands of bells have been cast, turned and finished here for over 160 years. as britain's last remaining bell making facility, the team here are now looking forward to training this a new generation of bell makers. craft skills here are

listed as skills at risk. we have to train up apprentices because this is the last place you can learn these skills, and the last place that can perpetuate them as well. it's a very important site, and it's an important part of our heritage. and helping to support the company to remain on site and use the building that it's been in for a long time will not only mean that the skills can continue into the future but also that we can support tourism in the area, with the museum another investment. now it's time for a look at the weather. a lot more sunshine around at times this weekend. but it will be punctuated by some pretty nasty downpours. some very heavy showers around today, we have seen them already. continuing to push their way northwards and eastwards on a gusty wind. most frequent in the west. fewer showers in the east, where

we spent the bulk of the day dry. a little bit cooler than yesterday, around nine to 12 celsius. but gusty winds will accompany the showers, as could the odd rumble of thunder and flash of lightning, too. as we go into this evening and overnight, showers keep on going, particularly across southern and western areas, most frequent in western scotland. still a marked breeze pushes there was a little bit further eastwards. still starry skies between them and under those starry skies it is going to be another cool night. cooler than recent nights, around three to four celsius into the morning in rural parts. tomorrow, on the face of it, another story of sunshine and showers but, if anything, fewer showers around and bit more in the way of sunshine. showers and windy conditions towards the west of scotland. cloud, wind and rain gathering later into the day 00:29:48,069 --> 4294966103:13:29,430 and overnight across the south.