from the dateline london. this week, the 27 people smuggled across europe to their deaths in the channel. the brakes are off for germany's traffic light coalition. and the peppa pig guide to being prime minister. our dateline panel this week is the portuguese academic and journalist, eunice goes. we hope to bejoined soon by thomas kielinger, veteran uk watcherfrom germany and royal biographer. and in the studio, bbc news presenter and foreign correspondent, clive myrie. first, a word about covid. a new variant, identified first in south africa, is causing concern and disrupting international travel as a result. clive, it's been called omicron tonight. always a bad sign when they give it a greek name, isn't it? it’s give it a greek name, isn't it? it's an attempt _ give it a greek name, isn't it? it�*s an attempt not to stigmatise its seeming place of origin. but south africans are feeling very bruised by

this, actually, because they feel that their systems that have managed to detect this, detected this pretty quickly and bring it to the attention of the world. and the response from the likes of the uk and number of other countries right now is to suspend flights. they feel bruised by that — but there is a great deal of anxiety about this. the mutations are rapid and numerous. as a result, there is a perception that it could well mean that the vaccines that are in operation may not be effective. but as far as the british are concerned, they feel after the missteps made after the delta variant, they had to act precipitously even though in cases that are no cases have been found here. but you are seeing the politics of this covid problem play out throughout all this, and the hope is that the vaccines will be able to deal with this new variant in time. ., .,, ., ., ,

in time. thomas, a few months ago, one of a number— in time. thomas, a few months ago, one of a number of— in time. thomas, a few months ago, one of a number of african _ in time. thomas, a few months ago, one of a number of african leaders i one of a number of african leaders was saying to western leaders, "look, you need to help us get vaccines are part of the world if only for your own self—interest — because if you don't do this, the virus will have enough time to mutate." this looks tonight like it could be evidence of exactly what we've been warned about? absolutely, absolutel . we've been warned about? absolutely, absolutely- and _ we've been warned about? absolutely, absolutely. and i'm _ we've been warned about? absolutely, absolutely. and i'm sure _ we've been warned about? absolutely, absolutely. and i'm sure the _ we've been warned about? absolutely, absolutely. and i'm sure the western l absolutely. and i'm sure the western nations _ absolutely. and i'm sure the western nations were aware, and so were germany, — nations were aware, and so were germany, of the need to help that world _ germany, of the need to help that world in_ germany, of the need to help that world in this regard. but they had so much — world in this regard. but they had so much trouble at home with the vaccination, — so much trouble at home with the vaccination, the enemies to vaccination. and germany had a fight on their— vaccination. and germany had a fight on their hands to get society to agree _ on their hands to get society to agree themselves to be vaccinated in sufficient _ agree themselves to be vaccinated in sufficient numbers to stave off any further _ sufficient numbers to stave off any further infections. so we have a double — further infections. so we have a double crisis here — we have a crisis — double crisis here — we have a crisis of— double crisis here — we have a crisis of confidence that vaccination at home is the way out of the _ vaccination at home is the way out of the problem, and that vaccination

is not _ of the problem, and that vaccination is not sufficiently available in third — is not sufficiently available in third world countries. and i think it overwhelms policymakers right now in a sad _ it overwhelms policymakers right now in a sad and _ it overwhelms policymakers right now in a sad and dramatic fashion. thank ou both in a sad and dramatic fashion. thank you both very _ in a sad and dramatic fashion. thank you both very much. _ on wednesday afternoon, as dusk fell and temperatures dropped, the cold, dark waters of the english channel claimed the lives of 27 people being smuggled into the uk. emmanuel macron vowed later that france would not allow the channel to become a cemetary. it already has. and not just and notjust for these poor people. these people deceived, perhaps, about the reception which awaits them in the uk — sent to their death, certainly, by the avarice of people—smugglers are the largest number known to have perished in these waters in a single incident. isaid i said they weren't the first, and sadly they are unlikely to be the last. how big a failure of public policy do you think these deaths and the deaths of other people trying to migrate our for the political systems of the countries they want to come to, or are passing through?

well, this is a massive failure for all the _ well, this is a massive failure for all the political— well, this is a massive failure for all the political systems - well, this is a massive failure for all the political systems in- well, this is a massive failure for. all the political systems in europe. ithink— all the political systems in europe. i think western _ all the political systems in europe. i think western countries - all the political systems in europe. i think western countries in - all the political systems in europe. | i think western countries in general have pretty— i think western countries in general have pretty much _ i think western countries in general have pretty much criminalised - i think western countries in general have pretty much criminalised the l have pretty much criminalised the whole _ have pretty much criminalised the whole process— have pretty much criminalised the whole process of— have pretty much criminalised the whole process of seeking - have pretty much criminalised the whole process of seeking asylum. i have pretty much criminalised the - whole process of seeking asylum. and when we _ whole process of seeking asylum. and when we think— whole process of seeking asylum. and when we think that _ whole process of seeking asylum. and when we think that a _ whole process of seeking asylum. and when we think that a lot _ whole process of seeking asylum. and when we think that a lot of— whole process of seeking asylum. and when we think that a lot of the - when we think that a lot of the situations— when we think that a lot of the situations that _ when we think that a lot of the situations that have _ when we think that a lot of the situations that have led - when we think that a lot of the - situations that have led thousands of people — situations that have led thousands of peorrie to — situations that have led thousands of peorrie to seek— situations that have led thousands of people to seek asylum - situations that have led thousands of people to seek asylum have - situations that have led thousands i of people to seek asylum have been created _ of people to seek asylum have been created by— of people to seek asylum have been created by western _ of people to seek asylum have been created by western nations - of people to seek asylum have been created by western nations — - of people to seek asylum have been created by western nations — i'm i created by western nations — i'm talking _ created by western nations — i'm talking about _ created by western nations — i'm talking about wars, _ created by western nations — i'm talking about wars, military- talking about wars, military occupations. _ talking about wars, military occupations, even - talking about wars, militaryl occupations, even pollution, talking about wars, military- occupations, even pollution, the way that we _ occupations, even pollution, the way that we essentially _ occupations, even pollution, the way that we essentially have _ occupations, even pollution, the way that we essentially have not - occupations, even pollution, the way that we essentially have not tackledl that we essentially have not tackled the climate — that we essentially have not tackled the climate emergency— that we essentially have not tackled the climate emergency — _ that we essentially have not tackled the climate emergency — the - that we essentially have not tackled| the climate emergency — the actions of the _ the climate emergency — the actions of the west— the climate emergency — the actions of the west are _ the climate emergency — the actions of the west are creating _ the climate emergency — the actions of the west are creating thousands, | of the west are creating thousands, if not _ of the west are creating thousands, if not miitions — of the west are creating thousands, if not millions of— of the west are creating thousands, if not millions of refugees _ if not millions of refugees worldwide. _ if not millions of refugees worldwide. and _ if not millions of refugees l worldwide. and essentially, if not millions of refugees - worldwide. and essentially, we if not millions of refugees _ worldwide. and essentially, we have tried to _ worldwide. and essentially, we have tried to criminalise _ worldwide. and essentially, we have tried to criminalise all _ worldwide. and essentially, we have tried to criminalise all the _ worldwide. and essentially, we have tried to criminalise all the legal- tried to criminalise all the legal roots— tried to criminalise all the legal roots for— tried to criminalise all the legal roots for those _ tried to criminalise all the legal roots for those thousands - tried to criminalise all the legal roots for those thousands of. tried to criminalise all the legal- roots for those thousands of people to seek _ roots for those thousands of people to seek asyium _ roots for those thousands of people to seek asylum in _ roots for those thousands of people to seek asylum in a _ roots for those thousands of people to seek asylum in a safe _ roots for those thousands of people to seek asylum in a safe way. - roots for those thousands of people to seek asylum in a safe way. to i

to seek asylum in a safe way. to a large _ to seek asylum in a safe way. to a large e>

in the mediterranean since at least last year. since _ in the mediterranean since at least last year, since 2015. _ in the mediterranean since at least last year, since 2015. and - in the mediterranean since at least last year, since 2015. and until- last year, since 2015. and until there _ last year, since 2015. and until there is— last year, since 2015. and until there is a real— last year, since 2015. and until there is a real reckoning - last year, since 2015. and until there is a real reckoning and l there is a real reckoning and acceptance _ there is a real reckoning and acceptance of— there is a real reckoning and acceptance of responsibility, there is a real reckoning and - acceptance of responsibility, this will continue _ acceptance of responsibility, this will continue to— acceptance of responsibility, this will continue to happen. - acceptance of responsibility, this will continue to happen. this - acceptance of responsibility, this| will continue to happen. this was acceptance of responsibility, this . will continue to happen. this was a tragedy— will continue to happen. this was a tragedy that— will continue to happen. this was a tragedy that was _ will continue to happen. this was a tragedy that was preventable, - will continue to happen. this was a tragedy that was preventable, it i will continue to happen. this was a i tragedy that was preventable, it was predicted _ tragedy that was preventable, it was predicted and. — tragedy that was preventable, it was predicted and, if— tragedy that was preventable, it was predicted and, if we _ tragedy that was preventable, it was predicted and, if we continue - tragedy that was preventable, it was predicted and, if we continue to- predicted and, if we continue to have _ predicted and, if we continue to have a — predicted and, if we continue to have a standoff— predicted and, if we continue to have a standoff — _ predicted and, if we continue to have a standoff — and _ predicted and, if we continue to have a standoff — and there - predicted and, if we continue to have a standoff — and there is. predicted and, if we continue to. have a standoff — and there is still no attenrpt — have a standoff — and there is still no attenrpt to _ have a standoff — and there is still no attempt to find _ have a standoff — and there is still no attempt to find a _ have a standoff — and there is still no attempt to find a multilateral i no attempt to find a multilateral soiution — no attempt to find a multilateral solution to— no attempt to find a multilateral solution to this _ no attempt to find a multilateral solution to this problem, - no attempt to find a multilateral solution to this problem, and i no attempt to find a multilateral solution to this problem, and soi no attempt to find a multilateral. solution to this problem, and so far what _ solution to this problem, and so far what we've — solution to this problem, and so far what we've been _ solution to this problem, and so far what we've been seeing _ solution to this problem, and so far what we've been seeing is- solution to this problem, and so far what we've been seeing is the - what we've been seeing is the passing — what we've been seeing is the passing of— what we've been seeing is the passing of the _ what we've been seeing is the passing of the bucket, - what we've been seeing is the passing of the bucket, britain| passing of the bucket, britain essentially— passing of the bucket, britain essentially does— passing of the bucket, britain essentially does not - passing of the bucket, britain essentially does not want - passing of the bucket, britain essentially does not want to i passing of the bucket, britain- essentially does not want to accept its international— essentially does not want to accept its international responsibility - essentially does not want to accept its international responsibility in i its international responsibility in receiving — its international responsibility in receiving asylum—seekers - its international responsibility in receiving asylum—seekers and l its international responsibility in receiving asylum—seekers and is expecting — receiving asylum—seekers and is expecting france _ receiving asylum—seekers and is expecting france to _ receiving asylum—seekers and is expecting france to control - receiving asylum—seekers and is expecting france to control and i expecting france to control and police _ expecting france to control and police its — expecting france to control and police its own _ expecting france to control and police its own border, - expecting france to control and i police its own border, something quite _ police its own border, something quite extraordinary. _ police its own border, something quite extraordinary. so— police its own border, something quite extraordinary. so for- police its own border, something quite extraordinary. so for us, i police its own border, somethingi quite extraordinary. so for us, as long _ quite extraordinary. so for us, as long as _ quite extraordinary. so for us, as long as this— quite extraordinary. so for us, as long as this will— quite extraordinary. so for us, as long as this will continue, - quite extraordinary. so for us, as long as this will continue, this i long as this will continue, this kind _ long as this will continue, this kind of— long as this will continue, this kind of standoff, _ long as this will continue, this kind of standoff, childish - long as this will continue, this - kind of standoff, childish standoff, we will— kind of standoff, childish standoff, we will continue _ kind of standoff, childish standoff, we will continue to _ kind of standoff, childish standoff, we will continue to watch - kind of standoff, childish standoff, we will continue to watch victims l we will continue to watch victims dying _ we will continue to watch victims dying in— we will continue to watch victims dying in the _ we will continue to watch victims dying in the channel. _ we will continue to watch victims dying in the channel. let's - we will continue to watch victims dying in the channel. let's hopel dying in the channel. let's hope these _ dying in the channel. let's hope these were _ dying in the channel. let's hope these were the _ dying in the channel. let's hope these were the last _ dying in the channel. let's hope these were the last ones. - dying in the channel. let's hope these were the last ones. you've used the word _ these were the last ones. you've used the word childish, - these were the last ones. you've used the word childish, and - these were the last ones. you've used the word childish, and i - used the word childish, and i suppose some people look at the

events on friday, light chemical clive, when the french president abruptly withdrew an invitation for priti patel to attend a meeting in paris on sunday to talk about exec of this problem because of a tweet that boris johnson of this problem because of a tweet that borisjohnson put out — i mean it's all politics, but the relationship between france and the uk right now looks poisonous, and on a subject where people's lives are being sacrificed.— a subject where people's lives are being sacrificed. asylum-seekers are cau . ht in being sacrificed. asylum-seekers are caught in the — being sacrificed. asylum-seekers are caught in the middle _ being sacrificed. asylum-seekers are caught in the middle of— being sacrificed. asylum-seekers are caught in the middle of a _ being sacrificed. asylum-seekers are caught in the middle of a much - caught in the middle of a much bigger game. you'd think that this kind of tragedy would be the kind of thing that would bring countries together, to work cooperatively to prevent that kind of thing happening again. but as i say, the asylum—seekers are caught up in a much bigger canvas between france and the uk. post brexiteers relationship has been terrible over fishing, over in northern ireland, you've got the defence pact between the australians, americans, and the british in which the french were

left out. you've also got two leaders who at the moment feel they've got to play to the gallery. president macron has a big election next year and boris johnson president macron has a big election next year and borisjohnson hasjust come through one of the worst periods of his premiership— his poll ratings are the lowest they've ever been. they both have to give red meat to those on the right of their parties. as a result, you don't have two leaders who are necessarily looking for compromise. so the idea that borisjohnson might float looking for compromise. so the idea that boris johnson might float that british police could be helping the french patrol the beaches of northern france, it's an absolute nonstarter. northern france, it's an absolute nonstarter-_ northern france, it's an absolute nonstarter. �* , ., ., nonstarter. but standing back from the politics -- _ nonstarter. but standing back from the politics... it _ nonstarter. but standing back from the politics... it makes _ nonstarter. but standing back from the politics... it makes perfect - the politics... it makes perfect sense! eight — the politics... it makes perfect sense! eight could _ the politics. .. it makes perfect sense! eight could well- the politics... it makes perfect sense! eight could well be - the politics... it makes perfect sense! eight could well be the| the politics... it makes perfect - sense! eight could well be the kind of thing you see happen after the french election next year, or after it sterry period of stability for borisjohnson and his backbenchers. at the moment you have two leaders who are not willing to compromise.

but certainly when it comes to potentially allowing french police officers, british police officers on french beaches, that may never happen. french beaches, that may never ha . en, ., ., , french beaches, that may never hauen. ., ., happen. thomas, the interior minister of— happen. thomas, the interior minister of france _ happen. thomas, the interior minister of france was - happen. thomas, the interior minister of france was saying happen. thomas, the interior. minister of france was saying on happen. thomas, the interior- minister of france was saying on the wednesday after this tragedy became public that this is a europe—wide problem. eunice has already mentioned what's happened in australia, we know what's happening on the border with poland — although we don't know because the polls have banned any organisations working doing the humanitarian work there — but we know it's a europe—wide problem. but he points out all these people have come not from france, but they've been bused to the french coast from belgium sometime in the small hours, and the boats came from germany. i’m small hours, and the boats came from german . �* ., , ., ., ., germany. i'm glad you mentioned that so we can widen _ germany. i'm glad you mentioned that so we can widen the _ germany. i'm glad you mentioned that so we can widen the debate, _ germany. i'm glad you mentioned that so we can widen the debate, not - germany. i'm glad you mentioned that so we can widen the debate, notjust l so we can widen the debate, not just looking _ so we can widen the debate, not just looking at— so we can widen the debate, not just looking at the faction between britain — looking at the faction between britain and france, but there's also other— britain and france, but there's also other european countries involved.

we have _ other european countries involved. we have the dublin regime in europe by which _ we have the dublin regime in europe by which refugees, or migrants who come _ by which refugees, or migrants who come to— by which refugees, or migrants who come to one free european country have to — come to one free european country have to first, at the point of arrival. _ have to first, at the point of arrival, apply for asylum laws in that country. so belgium here is a country— that country. so belgium here is a country which has been largely overlooked. they have passed with a bucket _ overlooked. they have passed with a bucket on _ overlooked. they have passed with a bucket on the france and allowed the majority _ bucket on the france and allowed the majority of _ bucket on the france and allowed the majority of these refugees who arrived — majority of these refugees who arrived in — majority of these refugees who arrived in their countries to begin with to _ arrived in their countries to begin with to continue to migrate into france — with to continue to migrate into france so— with to continue to migrate into france. so i think it's essential that— france. so i think it's essential that tomorrow, for countries — belgium. _ that tomorrow, for countries — belgium, france, germany, and the eu, brussels — will be meeting in calais _ eu, brussels — will be meeting in calais to— eu, brussels — will be meeting in calais to discuss the situation aiong — calais to discuss the situation along the channel. they will at least _ along the channel. they will at least admit that belgium and other countries _ least admit that belgium and other countries have a role to play, germany. _ countries have a role to play, germany, of course, which provides the dinghies, will have to cut that down _ the dinghies, will have to cut that down but— the dinghies, will have to cut that down. but it's basically open to all adjacent _ down. but it's basically open to all adjacent countries around france to

ask themselves, do we not have a right— ask themselves, do we not have a right and — ask themselves, do we not have a right and obligation, rather, to allow— right and obligation, rather, to allow those who arrive in our country — allow those who arrive in our country to _ allow those who arrive in our country to apply for asylum and not push them — country to apply for asylum and not push them onto the next neighbouring country? _ push them onto the next neighbouring country? so— push them onto the next neighbouring country? so that must be looked at and will— country? so that must be looked at and will have to be solved, hopefully tomorrow when they meet in calais _ hopefully tomorrow when they meet in calais. . ., ., ., ., ,, ., calais. eunice, a lot of talk of action against _ calais. eunice, a lot of talk of action against the _ calais. eunice, a lot of talk of action against the smugglers| calais. eunice, a lot of talk of. action against the smugglers - action against the smugglers — but you talk about legal roots. when you look at the statistics up to march this year, germany received the largest number of asylum—seekers who were accepted, 122,000 in the year to march 2021, france 93,000, the british 63,000, which puts us fifth in the number of applicants. it is a problem of scale all around europe — what could we be doing that might work, that might create an environment in which the people smugglers no longer had a business?

well, i think by opening legal roots and safe _ well, i think by opening legal roots and safe routes— well, i think by opening legal roots and safe routes for— well, i think by opening legal roots| and safe routes for asylum—seekers to claim _ and safe routes for asylum—seekers to claim asyium~ _ and safe routes for asylum—seekers to claim asylum. the _ and safe routes for asylum—seekers to claim asylum. the french- to claim asylum. the french government. _ to claim asylum. the french government, we've - to claim asylum. the french government, we've learnedl to claim asylum. the french- government, we've learned this afternoon — government, we've learned this afternoon that— government, we've learned this afternoon that the _ government, we've learned this afternoon that the french - government, we've learned this- afternoon that the french government has proposed — afternoon that the french government has proposed to — afternoon that the french government has proposed to have _ afternoon that the french government has proposed to have british - has proposed to have british officiais _ has proposed to have british officials processing - has proposed to have british officials processing asylum l officials processing asylum applications _ officials processing asylum applications and _ officials processing asylum applications and france. i officials processing asylum . applications and france. this officials processing asylum - applications and france. this is what _ applications and france. this is what happens _ applications and france. this is what happens in _ applications and france. this is what happens in several- applications and france. this is. what happens in several european countries — what happens in several european countries that— what happens in several european countries that suddenly _ what happens in several european countries that suddenly receive i what happens in several european countries that suddenly receive ai countries that suddenly receive a whole _ countries that suddenly receive a whole wave — countries that suddenly receive a whole wave of— countries that suddenly receive a whole wave of asylum—seekers. i countries that suddenly receive a l whole wave of asylum—seekers. so they send — whole wave of asylum—seekers. so they send their _ whole wave of asylum—seekers. so they send their own _ whole wave of asylum—seekers. so they send their own police - whole wave of asylum—seekers. so| they send their own police officers, home _ they send their own police officers, home office — they send their own police officers, home office ministers, _ they send their own police officers, home office ministers, and - they send their own police officers, home office ministers, and other. home office ministers, and other officials to — home office ministers, and other officials to process _ home office ministers, and other officials to process the _ home office ministers, and other officials to process the asylum . officials to process the asylum applications _ officials to process the asylum applications. this— officials to process the asylum applications. this has- officials to process the asylum applications. this has to - officials to process the asylum i applications. this has to happen — but there — applications. this has to happen — but there has— applications. this has to happen — but there has to _ applications. this has to happen — but there has to be _ applications. this has to happen — but there has to be a _ applications. this has to happen — but there has to be a really - applications. this has to happen —| but there has to be a really honest conversation — but there has to be a really honest conversation about _ but there has to be a really honest conversation about the _ but there has to be a really honest conversation about the politics - but there has to be a really honest conversation about the politics of. conversation about the politics of asylum — conversation about the politics of asylum i— conversation about the politics of asylum ithink— conversation about the politics of asylum. i think for— conversation about the politics of asylum. i think for instance, - conversation about the politics of asylum. i think for instance, in l conversation about the politics of asylum. i think for instance, in a | asylum. i think for instance, in a case _ asylum. i think for instance, in a case of— asylum. i think for instance, in a case of this— asylum. i think for instance, in a case of this row— asylum. i think for instance, in a case of this row between - asylum. i think for instance, in a case of this row between francel asylum. i think for instance, in a - case of this row between france and the united _ case of this row between france and the united kingdom, _ case of this row between france and the united kingdom, there - case of this row between france and the united kingdom, there must - case of this row between france and the united kingdom, there must be| case of this row between france and. the united kingdom, there must be a conversation — the united kingdom, there must be a conversation of, _ the united kingdom, there must be a conversation of, is _ the united kingdom, there must be a conversation of, is it— the united kingdom, there must be a conversation of, is it really— conversation of, is it really reasonable _ conversation of, is it really reasonable to _ conversation of, is it really reasonable to expect - conversation of, is it really. reasonable to expect france conversation of, is it really- reasonable to expect france to be policing. — reasonable to expect france to be policing. at — reasonable to expect france to be policing. at the _ reasonable to expect france to be policing, at the cost _ reasonable to expect france to be policing, at the cost of _

reasonable to expect france to be policing, at the cost of the - reasonable to expect france to be policing, at the cost of the frenchj policing, at the cost of the french taxpayer. — policing, at the cost of the french taxpayer, because _ policing, at the cost of the french taxpayer, because france - policing, at the cost of the french taxpayer, because france mostlyl policing, at the cost of the french - taxpayer, because france mostly pays for the _ taxpayer, because france mostly pays for the policing _ taxpayer, because france mostly pays for the policing of— taxpayer, because france mostly pays for the policing of the _ taxpayer, because france mostly pays for the policing of the coast _ taxpayer, because france mostly pays for the policing of the coast to - for the policing of the coast to protect — for the policing of the coast to protect the _ for the policing of the coast to protect the british _ for the policing of the coast to protect the british borders - for the policing of the coast to| protect the british borders and protect— protect the british borders and protect the _ protect the british borders and protect the integrity— protect the british borders and protect the integrity of- protect the british borders and protect the integrity of britain| protect the integrity of britain from — protect the integrity of britain from greater— protect the integrity of britain from greater numbers - protect the integrity of britain from greater numbers of - from greater numbers of asylum—seekers? - from greater numbers of asylum—seekers? i- from greater numbers of asylum—seekers? i don'tj from greater numbers of - asylum—seekers? idon't think it from greater numbers of _ asylum—seekers? idon't think it is, asylum—seekers? i don't think it is, i asylum—seekers? i don't think it is, i don't _ asylum—seekers? idon't think it is, idon't think— asylum—seekers? i don't think it is, i don't think britain _ asylum—seekers? i don't think it is, i don't think britain would - asylum—seekers? i don't think it is, i don't think britain would accept i i don't think britain would accept something — i don't think britain would accept something similar. _ i don't think britain would accept something similar. would - i don't think britain would accept something similar. would it - i don't think britain would accept something similar. would it be l something similar. would it be acceptable _ something similar. would it be acceptable for— something similar. would it be acceptable for britain - something similar. would it be acceptable for britain to - something similar. would it be acceptable for britain to have i acceptable for britain to have french — acceptable for britain to have french police _ acceptable for britain to have french police officers - acceptable for britain to have j french police officers policing their— french police officers policing their coast? _ french police officers policing theircoast? i— french police officers policing their coast? idon't— french police officers policing their coast? i don't think - french police officers policing their coast? i don't think thatj their coast? i don't think that would — their coast? i don't think that would be _ their coast? i don't think that would be considered - their coast? i don't think that. would be considered acceptable. their coast? i don't think that - would be considered acceptable. and in terms _ would be considered acceptable. and in terms of— would be considered acceptable. and in terms of europe, _ would be considered acceptable. and in terms of europe, thomas - would be considered acceptable. and . in terms of europe, thomas mentioned the dublin— in terms of europe, thomas mentioned the dublin regulation— in terms of europe, thomas mentioned the dublin regulation — _ in terms of europe, thomas mentioned the dublin regulation — the _ in terms of europe, thomas mentioned the dublin regulation — the dublin- the dublin regulation — the dublin regulation — the dublin regulation — the dublin regulation has _ the dublin regulation — the dublin regulation has been _ the dublin regulation — the dublin regulation has been a _ the dublin regulation — the dublin regulation has been a completely| regulation has been a completely dysfunctional— regulation has been a completely dysfunctional regulation - regulation has been a completely dysfunctional regulation for- regulation has been a completely dysfunctional regulation for a - regulation has been a completely| dysfunctional regulation for a very lon- dysfunctional regulation for a very long time — dysfunctional regulation for a very long time because _ dysfunctional regulation for a very long time because it— dysfunctional regulation for a very long time because it places - dysfunctional regulation for a very long time because it places the i long time because it places the burden— long time because it places the burden mostly— long time because it places the burden mostly on _ long time because it places the burden mostly on the - long time because it places the burden mostly on the countries long time because it places the - burden mostly on the countries that are on— burden mostly on the countries that are on the _ burden mostly on the countries that are on the borders _ burden mostly on the countries that are on the borders who _ burden mostly on the countries that are on the borders who are - burden mostly on the countries that| are on the borders who are receiving those _ are on the borders who are receiving those asylum—seekers. _ are on the borders who are receiving those asylum—seekers. so _ those asylum—seekers. so essentially, _ those asylum—seekers. so essentially, often- those asylum—seekers. so essentially, often the - those asylum—seekers. so . essentially, often the poorest countries _ essentially, often the poorest countries in _ essentially, often the poorest countries in europe _ essentially, often the poorest countries in europe — - essentially, often the poorest countries in europe — we - essentially, often the poorest countries in europe — we hadl essentially, often the poorest - countries in europe — we had grease at the _ countries in europe — we had grease at the height— countries in europe — we had grease at the height of— countries in europe — we had grease at the height of the _ countries in europe — we had grease at the height of the euro _ countries in europe — we had grease at the height of the euro zone - at the height of the euro zone crisis — at the height of the euro zone crisis with— at the height of the euro zone crisis with terrible _ at the height of the euro zone crisis with terrible economic l crisis with terrible economic crises. _ crisis with terrible economic crises. facing _ crisis with terrible economic crises, facing as _ crisis with terrible economic crises, facing as well- crisis with terrible economic crises, facing as well a - crisis with terrible economic - crises, facing as well a migration crisis _ crises, facing as well a migration crisis with—

crises, facing as well a migration crisis with hundreds _ crises, facing as well a migration crisis with hundreds of _ crises, facing as well a migration| crisis with hundreds of thousands crises, facing as well a migration i crisis with hundreds of thousands of asylum-seekers— crisis with hundreds of thousands of asylum—seekers trying _ crisis with hundreds of thousands of asylum—seekers trying to _ asylum—seekers trying to enter furope — asylum—seekers trying to enter europe by— asylum—seekers trying to enter europe by greece. _ asylum—seekers trying to enter europe by greece. greece - asylum—seekers trying to enter europe by greece. greece did i asylum—seekers trying to enter. europe by greece. greece did not have _ europe by greece. greece did not have the — europe by greece. greece did not have the administrative _ europe by greece. greece did not have the administrative or- europe by greece. greece did not. have the administrative or financial capability— have the administrative or financial capability to — have the administrative or financial capability to deal— have the administrative or financial capability to deal with _ have the administrative or financial capability to deal with that - capability to deal with that pressure _ capability to deal with that pressure from _ capability to deal with that - pressure from asylum—seekers. the same _ pressure from asylum—seekers. the same thing — pressure from asylum—seekers. the same thing happened _ pressure from asylum—seekers. the same thing happened in— pressure from asylum—seekers. the same thing happened in italy, - same thing happened in italy, then spain. _ same thing happened in italy, then spain. then— same thing happened in italy, then spain, then france. _ same thing happened in italy, then spain, then france. on— same thing happened in italy, then spain, then france. on the - spain, then france. on the other hand. _ spain, then france. on the other hand. no— spain, then france. on the other hand. no other— spain, then france. on the other hand, no other european - hand, no other european countries are quite _ hand, no other european countries are quite protected _ hand, no other european countries are quite protected because - hand, no other european countries are quite protected because the i hand, no other european countries l are quite protected because the idea that asylum—seekers _ are quite protected because the idea that asylum—seekers claim _ are quite protected because the idea that asylum—seekers claim asylum . are quite protected because the idea| that asylum—seekers claim asylum in the first_ that asylum—seekers claim asylum in the first safe — that asylum—seekers claim asylum in the first safe country _ that asylum—seekers claim asylum in the first safe country of _ that asylum—seekers claim asylum in the first safe country of entrance - the first safe country of entrance is not _ the first safe country of entrance is not a — the first safe country of entrance is not a very— the first safe country of entrance is not a very fair— the first safe country of entrance is not a very fair way— the first safe country of entrance is not a very fair way of- the first safe country of entrance is not a very fair way of texting l is not a very fair way of texting asylum — is not a very fair way of texting asylum on _ is not a very fair way of texting asylum. oh the _ is not a very fair way of texting asylum. 0n the other- is not a very fair way of texting asylum. 0n the other hand, i is not a very fair way of texting - asylum. 0n the other hand, europe is also outsourcing _ asylum. 0n the other hand, europe is also outsourcing its _ asylum. 0n the other hand, europe is also outsourcing its problem - asylum. 0n the other hand, europe is also outsourcing its problem by- also outsourcing its problem by expecting — also outsourcing its problem by exriectihg libya, _ also outsourcing its problem by expecting libya, turkey- also outsourcing its problem by expecting libya, turkey and - also outsourcing its problem by. expecting libya, turkey and other countries — expecting libya, turkey and other countries essentially— expecting libya, turkey and other countries essentially to _ expecting libya, turkey and other countries essentially to deal - expecting libya, turkey and other countries essentially to deal withi countries essentially to deal with the refugees— countries essentially to deal with the refugees coming _ countries essentially to deal with the refugees coming from - countries essentially to deal with| the refugees coming from africa, syria. _ the refugees coming from africa, syria. and — the refugees coming from africa, syria. and so— the refugees coming from africa, syria. and so oh~ _ the refugees coming from africa, syria, and so on. so _ the refugees coming from africa, syria, and so on. so essentially, i syria, and so on. so essentially, everyone — syria, and so on. so essentially, everyone is— syria, and so on. so essentially, everyone is passing _ syria, and so on. so essentially, everyone is passing on- syria, and so on. so essentially, everyone is passing on the - syria, and so on. so essentially, i everyone is passing on the bucket when _ everyone is passing on the bucket when in _ everyone is passing on the bucket when in reality. _ everyone is passing on the bucket when in reality, but— everyone is passing on the bucket when in reality, but we _ everyone is passing on the bucket when in reality, but we forget - everyone is passing on the bucket when in reality, but we forget is. when in reality, but we forget is that being — when in reality, but we forget is that being a _ when in reality, but we forget is that being a refugee, _ when in reality, but we forget is that being a refugee, people . when in reality, but we forget is. that being a refugee, people have the right— that being a refugee, people have the right to — that being a refugee, people have the right to claim _ that being a refugee, people have the right to claim asylum, - that being a refugee, people have the right to claim asylum, and - that being a refugee, people havei the right to claim asylum, and that every— the right to claim asylum, and that every country — the right to claim asylum, and that every country in _ the right to claim asylum, and that every country in the _ the right to claim asylum, and that every country in the world - the right to claim asylum, and that every country in the world has - the right to claim asylum, and that every country in the world has the|

every country in the world has the duty and — every country in the world has the duty and responsibility _ every country in the world has the duty and responsibility of - every country in the world has the| duty and responsibility of providing refugee _ duty and responsibility of providing refugee status— duty and responsibility of providing refugee status for— duty and responsibility of providing refugee status for those _ duty and responsibility of providing refugee status for those who - duty and responsibility of providing refugee status for those who claim| refugee status for those who claim it if the _ refugee status for those who claim it ifthe ctaim — refugee status for those who claim it if the claim is _ refugee status for those who claim it if the claim is legitimate. - refugee status for those who claim it if the claim is legitimate. think. it if the claim is legitimate. think ou all it if the claim is legitimate. think you all very _ it if the claim is legitimate. think you all very much. _ the curtain will fall, in just over a week's time, on angela merkel�*s 16 years as chancellor of germany. this week, the social democrats, the greens, and the liberal, pro—business free democrats reached agreement on a new government. what's called the traffic light coalition the spd's campaign colour is red, the fdp's is orange will enjoy a comfortable majority in the bundestag. thomas, all things being equal, there will be a vote and the new chancellor will take office. tell us about this man olaf scholz, what's he like? �* . about this man olaf scholz, what's he like? �*, . , . ., . ., he like? he's a 63-year-old man from hambur: , he like? he's a 63-year-old man from hamburg. a — he like? he's a 63-year-old man from hamburg, a business— he like? he's a 63-year-old man from hamburg, a business oriented - hamburg, a business oriented pragmatist, somewhat introverted, who's— pragmatist, somewhat introverted, who's been working under the shadow of angela _ who's been working under the shadow of angela merkel because he was together— of angela merkel because he was together with her in the grand coalition— together with her in the grand coalition when he was a junior partner, — coalition when he was a junior partner, he was the deputy prime

minister and finance minister — and somewhat— minister and finance minister — and somewhat publicly inconspicuous, but he has _ somewhat publicly inconspicuous, but he has a _ somewhat publicly inconspicuous, but he has a huge amount of public self—confidence which shows, as the minister of— self—confidence which shows, as the minister of hamburg, which he once was in _ minister of hamburg, which he once was in his— minister of hamburg, which he once was in his career, he had to face scandals — was in his career, he had to face scandals that rolled off his back like water off a duck's feathers, and he — like water off a duck's feathers, and he managed to overcome them pretty— and he managed to overcome them pretty easily. interestingly, he was considered by his own party, the spa. _ considered by his own party, the spd. a _ considered by his own party, the spd, a social minded left of centre party, _ spd, a social minded left of centre party. not — spd, a social minded left of centre party, not to be the leader of the party— party, not to be the leader of the party three years ago when they voted _ party three years ago when they voted against olaf scholz to become the leader of the spd — amazingly, hooray— the leader of the spd — amazingly, hooray hooray, a year later, the same _ hooray hooray, a year later, the same party— hooray hooray, a year later, the same party appointed him to be candidate to success angela merkel. so that— candidate to success angela merkel. so that shows you the comeback of the sort _ so that shows you the comeback of the sort of— so that shows you the comeback of the sort of man he is, and he'll

have _ the sort of man he is, and he'll have to — the sort of man he is, and he'll have to ride _ the sort of man he is, and he'll have to ride three horses at the same _ have to ride three horses at the same time. we've never had a try part -- — same time. we've never had a try part —— tripod... all bets are off as to _ part —— tripod... all bets are off as to how— part —— tripod... all bets are off as to how they'll manage. don't forget _ as to how they'll manage. don't forget we — as to how they'll manage. don't forget we have huge public debts according to that hey, which is to help overcome the coronavirus crisis~ — help overcome the coronavirus crisis the _ help overcome the coronavirus crisis. the country has incurred huge _ crisis. the country has incurred huge debts. we are lacking in the digitalisation of the economy — but at least _ digitalisation of the economy — but at least there a new impetus that these _ at least there a new impetus that these parties will have a huge push forward _ these parties will have a huge push forward in — these parties will have a huge push forward in the climate change debate that might give new impetus. angela meri

chancellor — charismatic pronouncements. the chancellor pronounced all her policies — chancellor pronounced all her policies as being without alternatives, so that was stymieing public— alternatives, so that was stymieing public debate for renewal — so renewal, _ public debate for renewal — so renewal, at least, is what we are getting — renewal, at least, is what we are getting. and what direction the renewal is taking place will have to be determined.— be determined. clive, you are a euro -e be determined. clive, you are a europe correspondent, - be determined. clive, you are a europe correspondent, you - europe correspondent, you watched angela merkel's * performance on the european stage. does german leadership matter as much now? will olaf scholz will be looking to what's happening in europe that the angela merkel government had neglected? angela merkel government had ne . lected? �* . angela merkel government had neulected? �* , .. angela merkel government had neulected? �*, .. , .. neglected? there's no question about it, neglected? there's no question about it. germany is — neglected? there's no question about it. germany is at _ neglected? there's no question about it, germany is at the _ neglected? there's no question about it, germany is at the heart _ neglected? there's no question about it, germany is at the heart of- neglected? there's no question about it, germany is at the heart of the - it, germany is at the heart of the european project financially and politically. there's no question about that — and i suppose the thing about that — and i suppose the thing about angela merkel and her un—flashy style of politics, particularly compared to the guys who are in power when i was in

europe, gave her a sense of stability and seriousness — perhaps some would argue that didn't exist with the previous men. i think thomas is it something there, which is that thomas has written brilliantly about angela merkel over the years — i think we are potentially seeing a reassessment of her legacy. there's been very little investment in germany, the missteps over migration, the missteps over the handling of the european financial crisis, the greeks are still very bitter about what happened, the preponderance over the focus of the energy policy on russia moving away from its own domestic nuclear capability in terms of energy. i think germany will remain very important and at the heart of european politics, but i think the last 10—15 years of angela merkel are being reassessed in interesting

ways. are being reassessed in interesting wa s. . , . , are being reassessed in interesting was. ,, are being reassessed in interesting was. , ways. finally, briefly, you've 'ust seen a government i ways. finally, briefly, you've 'ust seen a government collapse h ways. finally, briefly, you'vejust seen a government collapse in i seen a government collapse in portugal — you do a lot of comparative politics, when you aren't a journalist you are lecturing on politics. portugal had a rickety coalition, but it lasted quite a long time, didn't it? are there lessons for olaf scholz as he becomes chancellor? i there lessons for olaf scholz as he becomes chancellor?— becomes chancellor? i think the lessons for _ becomes chancellor? i think the lessons for any _ lessons for any long—lasting government— lessons for any long—lasting government is _ lessons for any long—lasting government is dialogue - lessons for any long—lasting government is dialogue and| government is dialogue and respect for your— government is dialogue and respect for your partners _ government is dialogue and respect for your partners. at _ government is dialogue and respect for your partners. at the _ government is dialogue and respect for your partners. at the moment, i for your partners. at the moment, there _ for your partners. at the moment, there is— for your partners. at the moment, there is a — for your partners. at the moment, there is a loss _ for your partners. at the moment, there is a loss of— for your partners. at the moment, there is a loss of dialogue - for your partners. at the moment, there is a loss of dialogue and - for your partners. at the moment, j there is a loss of dialogue and rest respect, _ there is a loss of dialogue and rest respect, and — there is a loss of dialogue and rest respect, and that's _ there is a loss of dialogue and rest respect, and that's essentially - there is a loss of dialogue and rest. respect, and that's essentially when the coalition— respect, and that's essentially when the coalition will— respect, and that's essentially when the coalition will collapse. _ the coalition will collapse. thank ou ve the coalition will collapse. thank you very much- _ are you sitting comfortably? then i'll begin. once upon a time, there was a pig called peppa. peppa lived in peppa pig world. it had very safe streets and discipline in schools. peppa could travel around with all her friends. oh, you haven't been? borisjohnson has — he's the prime minister, you know. he says it's in ham—shire. it is, that bit isn't fiction. mrjohnson extolled the virtues of the peppa theme park

in a speech to some of the uk's leading business people. a speech, whether or not you like peppe pig, which has been regarded as a bit of a car crash. pick up her stomach a terrible write ups— what went wrong? stomach a terrible write ups- what went wrong?— went wrong? when you give public speeches. and _ went wrong? when you give public speeches, and i've _ went wrong? when you give public speeches, and i've given _ went wrong? when you give public speeches, and i've given a - went wrong? when you give public speeches, and i've given a few - went wrong? when you give public speeches, and i've given a few in l went wrong? when you give public l speeches, and i've given a few in my time, you lose your place. i make sure i number them from now on and don't end up having to rely on the brilliance of peppa pig. boris johnson is a populist, he is a booster list, i'm sure he wouldn't mind me saying... his booster list, i'm sure he wouldn't mind me saying...— mind me saying... his glasses alwa s? mind me saying... his glasses always? he's— mind me saying... his glasses always? he's always _ mind me saying... his glasses| always? he's always optimistic mind me saying... his glasses - always? he's always optimistic and he he ut always? he's always optimistic and he he put that _ always? he's always optimistic and he he put that idea _ always? he's always optimistic and he he put that idea across - always? he's always optimistic and he he put that idea across and - he he put that idea across and pretty much everything he does and how he behaves. that speech was in front of the cbi, the main business and industry organisation in this country — and a very worrying time

following covid, the end of the furlough scheme, all kinds of economic problems in terms of potentially rising inflation and so on. boosterism was not what these people wanted to hear — they wanted facts and a government agenda. now while borisjohnson may have been able to get away with riffing on various things in the past, this is a serious moment for british industry and for the economy. in a riff on peppa pig was not what was required. in it also perhaps pointed to a wider problems within the administration, a lack of grip and rigour. and the various problems of the government has had recently — you've talked a lot on this show about potential sleeves, the problems with not investing in the rail network that they thought they would invest in in the north of england, which was the plank of his election strategy in 20 the macro 2019, investing in the north,

levelling up — all that added up to a sense that this government is not on top of things. and that's why boris johnson's on top of things. and that's why borisjohnson's approval ratings are the lowest of his permission at the moment. latte the lowest of his permission at the moment. ~ ., , ., , moment. we have 'ust a couple minutes left. _ moment. we have 'ust a couple minutes left. is _ moment. we have just a couple minutes left. is there _ moment. we have just a couple minutes left. is there any - minutes left. is there any reason why borisjohnson should be worried about this particular trough? every prime minister has troughs and peaks in their time prime minister has troughs and peaks in theirtime in prime minister has troughs and peaks in their time in office. yes. prime minister has troughs and peaks in their time in office.— in their time in office. yes, and he also benefits _ in their time in office. yes, and he also benefits from _ in their time in office. yes, and he also benefits from a _ in their time in office. yes, and he also benefits from a really - also benefits from a really largely very positive _ also benefits from a really largely very positive and _ also benefits from a really largely very positive and supportive - also benefits from a really largely l very positive and supportive media. look, _ very positive and supportive media. look, look— very positive and supportive media. look, look how— very positive and supportive media. look, look how we _ very positive and supportive media. look, look how we are _ very positive and supportive media. look, look how we are laughing - look, look how we are laughing at this incident— look, look how we are laughing at this incident when _ look, look how we are laughing at this incident when in _ look, look how we are laughing at this incident when in fact, - look, look how we are laughing at this incident when in fact, it - look, look how we are laughing at this incident when in fact, it is- this incident when in fact, it is quite bad _ this incident when in fact, it is quite bad when _ this incident when in fact, it is quite bad when a _ this incident when in fact, it is quite bad when a prime - this incident when in fact, it is. quite bad when a prime minister this incident when in fact, it is- quite bad when a prime minister has completely no — quite bad when a prime minister has completely no grip _ quite bad when a prime minister has completely no grip and _ quite bad when a prime minister has completely no grip and it's _ quite bad when a prime minister has completely no grip and it's quite - completely no grip and it's quite pathetic~ — completely no grip and it's quite pathetic~ i— completely no grip and it's quite pathetic. i think _ completely no grip and it's quite pathetic. i think we _ completely no grip and it's quite pathetic. i think we will - completely no grip and it's quite pathetic. i think we will start - completely no grip and it's quite pathetic. i think we will start to| pathetic. i think we will start to -et pathetic. i think we will start to get worried _ pathetic. i think we will start to get worried once _ pathetic. i think we will start to get worried once the _ pathetic. i think we will start to i get worried once the conservative party— get worried once the conservative party starts — get worried once the conservative party starts to _ get worried once the conservative party starts to trail— get worried once the conservative party starts to trail behind - get worried once the conservative party starts to trail behind the - party starts to trail behind the labour— party starts to trail behind the labour party. _ party starts to trail behind the labour party, the _ party starts to trail behind the labour party, the main- party starts to trail behind the - labour party, the main opposition party— labour party, the main opposition party - _ labour party, the main opposition party - that — labour party, the main opposition party — that hasn't _ labour party, the main opposition party — that hasn't happened - labour party, the main opposition party — that hasn't happened yet, | labour party, the main opposition . party — that hasn't happened yet, so for as— party — that hasn't happened yet, so for as long _ party — that hasn't happened yet, so for as long as — party — that hasn't happened yet, so for as long as the _ party — that hasn't happened yet, so for as long as the conservatives - for as long as the conservatives seem _ for as long as the conservatives seem to — for as long as the conservatives seem to be _ for as long as the conservatives seem to be leading, _ for as long as the conservatives seem to be leading, which- for as long as the conservatives seem to be leading, which is. for as long as the conservatives i seem to be leading, which is quite extraordinary— seem to be leading, which is quite extraordinary given— seem to be leading, which is quite extraordinary given they've - seem to be leading, which is quite extraordinary given they've been l seem to be leading, which is quite| extraordinary given they've been in power— extraordinary given they've been in power since — extraordinary given they've been in power since 2010 _

extraordinary given they've been in power since 2010 — _ extraordinary given they've been in power since 2010 — he's _ extraordinary given they've been in. power since 2010 — he's comfortable in his— power since 2010 — he's comfortable in his position — power since 2010 - he's comfortable in his position-— in his position. thomas, in the closin: in his position. thomas, in the closing seconds _ in his position. thomas, in the closing seconds of— in his position. thomas, in the closing seconds of the - in his position. thomas, in the - closing seconds of the programme, you've watched many prime ministers, may be as far back as harold wilson — what are his prospects, briefly? not too bad, because there is a theatrical— not too bad, because there is a theatrical streak and a british character. lots of people are somewhat entertainment dutch entertained by borisjohnson somewhat entertainment dutch entertained by boris johnson that, at the _ entertained by boris johnson that, at the height of the crisis the world — at the height of the crisis the world and country is in, he can afford — world and country is in, he can afford to— world and country is in, he can afford to get away to some extent with a _ afford to get away to some extent with a speech like that. that is an entertaining sort of moment of theatre — entertaining sort of moment of theatre. it is theatre, pure and simple — theatre. it is theatre, pure and simple. you have a speaker of the house _ simple. you have a speaker of the house of— simple. you have a speaker of the house of parliament who has his parent, a — house of parliament who has his parent, a speaking parent that takes him on _ parent, a speaking parent that takes him on train — parent, a speaking parent that takes him on trainjourneys parent, a speaking parent that takes him on train journeys and entertains the other— him on train journeys and entertains the other travellers. the name of his parent — the other travellers. the name of his parent is boris. 0ur his parent is boris. our country always— his parent is boris. our country always manages to have a delight in entertaining moments.— always manages to have a delight in entertaining moments. thank you all for entertaining _

entertaining moments. thank you all for entertaining us _ entertaining moments. thank you all for entertaining us this _ entertaining moments. thank you all for entertaining us this evening, - for entertaining us this evening, even on some very serious subjects. it occurred to me that i didn't tell you who peppa pig was — in case you didn't know, it's a children's animation. that's it for dateline london, goodbye. hello there. the winds are picking up now, particularly across more northeastern parts of the uk, where we have this red wind warning from the met office — the winds for a while gusting 80—90 mph, some significant disruption and a danger to life. it's coastal areas of eastern scotland and the northeast of england covered by that warning until the early hours of the morning. there'll be some very big

and dangerous waves around, as well. the storm itself, arwen, drifting drifting down into the southern north sea, will drag down stronger winds southwards across pretty much the whole of the country. and we still have amber wind warnings more widely across eastern scotland, the northeast of england until the middle part of saturday morning — but also across the north and west of wales, and far southwest of england. the winds could be gusting 60—70 mph overnight into saturday morning. we also have an added hazard — we've seen snow already in scotland, that'll move down onto the pennines, could be some significant falls here perhaps into the welsh hills, and a mixture of rain, sleet and snow moving down across the midlands into southern england — meaning temperatures later in the night will be not far away from freezing. the strength of the wind perhaps more significant for much of the country, notjust windy in the northeast but widely very windy, especially also down some of those irish sea coasts. we still have that mixture of rain, but also some sleet and snow perhaps mainly over the hills, and that wetter weather will push its way towards more eastern parts of england, allowing many other areas to brighten up with some sunshine. still a few wintry showers,

especially across scotland. and it'll be a cold day, temperatures perhaps no still a few wintry showers, especially across scotland. and it'll be a cold day, temperatures perhaps no better than 3—4 celsius — and, whilst the winds do ease down a bit in the afternoon, it'll still feel significantly colder in the wind. now the winds do tend to ease and things start to calm down on saturday night, the storm moves away, the winds start to drop and we start sunday with a widespread frost. this weak weather front will bring more cloud and a few spots of rain into northern ireland — but ahead of it we're in the colder air, there'll be more wintry showers coming down across scotland, running down these north sea coasts where it's windy for a while. the winds continue to ease — and it won't be as windy on sunday, but it's still cold even with some sunshine. gets slowly milder from the west early next week, but at the moment, all eyes on storm arwen, bringing widespread gales, particularly windy in the northeast, some snow over the hills, and some further disruption.

this is bbc news. the headlines. the world health organisation classes the new covid variant, found in southern africa a "variant of concern" and gives it the name omicron. some of these mutations we know about because we've seen them in other variants but other mutations

are totally new and it is this