more than 78,500 new cases in the past 2a hours, the highest figure since the pandemic began. a record number of boosterjabs in the uk yesterday — the prime minister says it's vital more people come forward to help tackle the surge of the new variant. let's keep going, let's keep giving omicron _ let's keep going, let's keep giving omicron both— let's keep going, let's keep giving omicron both barrels, _ let's keep going, let's keep giving omicron both barrels, and - let's keep going, let's keep giving omicron both barrels, and let's. let's keep going, let's keep giving . omicron both barrels, and let's slow it spread _ omicron both barrels, and let's slow it spread and — omicron both barrels, and let's slow it spread and give _ omicron both barrels, and let's slow it spread and give the _ omicron both barrels, and let's slow it spread and give the vaccines - omicron both barrels, and let's slow it spread and give the vaccines more time _ hospital numbers are starting to rise in some places with a&e departments already under huge pressure — a senior public health official warns what could be ahead.

this is a very serious threat at the moment. how big a threat, there are several things we don't know, but all the things we do know are bad. tonight a fresh call for volunteers to come forward and help deliver the boosterjabs. also tonight — a sharp rise in the cost of living, as the price of energy, fuel and clothing push inflation to a ten—year high. the woman who murdered this 16—month—old child is sentenced to life in prison. star's mother has beenjailed for eight years for failing to protect her daughter. and arise, sir lewis. after his formula 1 disappointment, a celebration at last for lewis hamilton as he's knighted by prince charles. and coming up in sportsday later in the hour on bbc news, as the covid pass system for major sports events becomes mandatory, we'll see how it's being put into practice.

good evening and welcome to the bbc news at six. the uk has recorded its highest number of daily covid infections since the start of the pandemic — more than 78,500 new cases in the past 2a hours. that's 10,000 more than the previous record injanuary. professor chris whitty has issued stark warnings, saying omicron is a serious threat and expect records to be broken lot over the few weeks as the rates continue to grow up, and he said substantial numbers of omicron patients would go into hospital. the prime minister has again urged people to come forward for their covid vaccinations as soon as possible, saying the boosterjab is absolutely vital, but he said he

is absolutely vital, but he said he is not imposing more restrictions given how many people have been vaccinated. our political editor laura kuenssberg has this report. rb staring down the barrel of a terrible outbreak of the virus? —— are we staring? are we looking at the signs of impossible pressure for the signs of impossible pressure for the nhs? is the prime minister watching out of control as his credibility fall away? with record cases, borisjohnson, eageragain credibility fall away? with record cases, borisjohnson, eager again to cases, borisjohnson, eageragain to emphasise what he wants you to do. we are throwing everything at the wave _ we are throwing everything at the wave of— we are throwing everything at the wave of omicron _ we are throwing everything at the wave of omicron that _ we are throwing everything at the wave of omicron that continues . we are throwing everything at the| wave of omicron that continues to roll in_ wave of omicron that continues to roll in across — wave of omicron that continues to roll in across the _ wave of omicron that continues to roll in across the united _ wave of omicron that continues to roll in across the united kingdom, and wherever _ roll in across the united kingdom, and wherever you _ roll in across the united kingdom, and wherever you are, _ roll in across the united kingdom, and wherever you are, we - roll in across the united kingdom, and wherever you are, we will - roll in across the united kingdom, and wherever you are, we will be i and wherever you are, we will be there _ and wherever you are, we will be there with — and wherever you are, we will be there with a _ and wherever you are, we will be there with a jab _ and wherever you are, we will be there with a jab for _ and wherever you are, we will be there with a jab for you. - and wherever you are, we will be there with a jab for you. so - and wherever you are, we will be . there with a jab for you. so please, -et there with a jab for you. so please, get boosted — there with a jab for you. so please, get boosted now. _ there with a jab for you. so please, get boosted now.— get boosted now. demand for the booster has _ get boosted now. demand for the booster has surged, _ get boosted now. demand for the booster has surged, but - get boosted now. demand for the booster has surged, but so - get boosted now. demand for the booster has surged, but so has i booster has surged, but so has the variant, more cases recorded today than at any point during the whole

pandemic. as jabs go into arms and surgeries, car parks, or even cathedrals, the fear of the sheer number will cause intolerable disruption. but there is acute political anxiety, too. division, clear the lobby. _ political anxiety, too. division, clear the lobby. last _ political anxiety, too. division, clear the lobby. last night, - political anxiety, too. division, l clear the lobby. last night, boris johnson clear the lobby. last night, boris johnson was _ clear the lobby. last night, boris johnson was pounded _ clear the lobby. last night, boris johnson was pounded by - clear the lobby. last night, boris johnson was pounded by his - clear the lobby. last night, boris johnson was pounded by his own| johnson was pounded by his own backbenchers, 100 tory mps projecting covid passes, and proud about it. one of them even filmed themselves casting the vote against themselves casting the vote against the party's bosses. the bill only passed embarrassingly for boris johnson with help from the opposition, a point keir starmer could not help but focus on today. without the support of labour, so we just as leadership, he would not have been able to impose vital public health initiatives. irate have been able to impose vital public health initiatives. we have taken tough _ public health initiatives. we have taken tough decisions _ public health initiatives. we have taken tough decisions to - public health initiatives. we have taken tough decisions to deliverl public health initiatives. we have i taken tough decisions to deliver the fastest _ taken tough decisions to deliver the fastest vaccine _ taken tough decisions to deliver the fastest vaccine roll—out _ taken tough decisions to deliver the fastest vaccine roll—out in _ taken tough decisions to deliver the fastest vaccine roll—out in europe, i fastest vaccine roll—out in europe, and now _ fastest vaccine roll—out in europe, and now the — fastest vaccine roll—out in europe, and now the fastest _ fastest vaccine roll—out in europe, and now the fastest booster - and now the fastest booster rott-out _

and now the fastest booster roll-out. ~ ., and now the fastest booster roll-out— and now the fastest booster roll-out. ~ ., , roll-out. we are burdened with the worst possible _ roll-out. we are burdened with the worst possible prime _ roll-out. we are burdened with the worst possible prime minister - worst possible prime minister had the worst possible time. irate the worst possible time. we vaccinate. — the worst possible time. we vaccinate, they _ the worst possible time. we vaccinate, they vacillate. the jab, we jah _ vaccinate, they vacillate. the “ab, we 'ab. ., vaccinate, they vacillate. the “ab, we'ab. ., ., ., we jab. forget the political drama, what miaht we jab. forget the political drama, what might be _ we jab. forget the political drama, what might be next _ we jab. forget the political drama, what might be next few _ we jab. forget the political drama, what might be next few weeks - we jab. forget the political drama, i what might be next few weeks holds for us? there have been more cases today than there ever have been. if now is not the time for extra restrictions, when will be? the booster provides _ restrictions, when will be? the booster provides an excellent level of protection, _ booster provides an excellent level of protection, and _ booster provides an excellent level of protection, and we _ booster provides an excellent level of protection, and we think- booster provides an excellent level of protection, and we think that, l of protection, and we think that, given— of protection, and we think that, given the — of protection, and we think that, given the balance _ of protection, and we think that, given the balance of _ of protection, and we think that, given the balance of risks - of protection, and we think that, given the balance of risks and i of protection, and we think that, i given the balance of risks and the balance _ given the balance of risks and the balance of— given the balance of risks and the balance of continuing _ given the balance of risks and the| balance of continuing uncertainties about— balance of continuing uncertainties about omicron, _ balance of continuing uncertainties about omicron, this _ balance of continuing uncertainties about omicron, this is _ balance of continuing uncertainties about omicron, this is the - balance of continuing uncertainties about omicron, this is the right. about omicron, this is the right approach — about omicron, this is the right approach to— about omicron, this is the right approach to take. _ about omicron, this is the right approach to take.— approach to take. both of the medics, approach to take. both of the medics. can _ approach to take. both of the medics. can i _ approach to take. both of the medics, can i ask _ approach to take. both of the medics, can i ask you - approach to take. both of the medics, can i ask you very i medics, can i ask you very straightforwardly, do you think it would be better if there were now more restrictions immediately? i more restrictions immediately? 1 just think a lot of this is people following sensible rules for prioritising the things that really matter to them and do prioritising other things. this is a very serious threat at the moment, but how big a

threat, there are several things we don't know, but all the things we do know are bad, the principal one being the speed at which this is moving, it is moving at an absolutely phenomenal pace. boris johnson is again — absolutely phenomenal pace. boris johnson is again in _ absolutely phenomenal pace. boris johnson is again in the _ absolutely phenomenal pace. boris johnson is again in the middle of a fast—moving crisis, but the government can be accused of dealing with its own mistakes rather than what really matters. with the risk from the virus to our health and wealth, any wrong move could have all sorts of terrible costs. laura kuenssberg, bbc news, downing street. well, let's look at the latest covid figures in detail. there were 78,610 new cases in the latest 24—hour period — way over the previous record on the 9th january this year. meaning on average 57,838 new cases were reported each day in the past week. the number of people in hospital with covid remains steady, in fact it has fallen slightly since yesterday, and now stands at 7,673. 165 deaths were recorded, that's of people who died within 28 days of a positive test, roughly the same number as this time last week. 115 covid—related deaths were recorded on average every day in the past week.

on vaccinations, almost 657,000 people had their boosterjab yesterday, bringing the average to just over 490,000 a day in the past seven days. more than 2a,700,000 people have now had their boosters. the head of the uk health security agency, drjenny harries, has told mps that the omicron variant is "probably the most significant threat" since the start of the pandemic. cases are doubling every day and the data over the next few days could be staggering. our health editor hugh pym has this report. with the rapid spread of the new variant, the booster programme has been given new urgency. here, a gp in oxford visit elderly patients in their homes to give them the top job. it their homes to give them the top 'ob. , ., ., their homes to give them the top 'ob. , ., . , their homes to give them the top “oh. i. ., , ., ., job. it will give you a very good protection _ job. it will give you a very good protection and _ job. it will give you a very good protection and boost _ job. it will give you a very good protection and boost your - job. it will give you a very good - protection and boost your immunity. with evidence of that good

protection against omicron infection, the booster roll—out will continue, but according to recent research, there is much less of a shield a few months after a second dose, and there's high level concern about how much case could rise. probably the most significant threat we have _ probably the most significant threat we have had since the start of the pandemic, — we have had since the start of the pandemic, and i'm sure for example that the _ pandemic, and i'm sure for example that the numbers we are seeing on data over— that the numbers we are seeing on data over the next few days will be quite _ data over the next few days will be quite staggering compared to the rate of— quite staggering compared to the rate of growth we have seen in cases for previous — rate of growth we have seen in cases for previous variants. the rate of growth we have seen in cases for previous variants.— for previous variants. the health secretary visited _ for previous variants. the health secretary visited a _ for previous variants. the health secretary visited a vaccine - for previous variants. the health | secretary visited a vaccine centre, is booster bookings in england were opened up to all adults. it is opened up to all adults. it is clear, whilst _ opened up to all adults. it is clear, whilst we _ opened up to all adults. it is clear, whilst we know - opened up to all adults. it 3 clear, whilst we know that two jabs are not enough, three jabs are fantastic in helping us all get protected against this new variant, which is why the booster programme is absolutely so critical and is a central focus.— central focus. even if most of the extra cases are _ result in more staff absences, from key sectors of the economy and public services. and while omicron

may cause less serious illness than delta, a surge in cases would mean at least some extra hospital admissions. one group of modellers has come up with a range of scenarios, depending on what happens with the virus and the take—up of boosters. they say in the worst—case scenario england, there could be more than 6000 hospital admissions a day, compared withjust more than 6000 hospital admissions a day, compared with just under 4000 at the peak last winter. in the best case, they say it would be around 2000 admissions a day in england, and all of that assumes that a previously announced restrictions haven't been changed. so there are serious challenges for the nhs across the uk. any rise in at covid numbers will increase pressure already felt uncrowded a&e departments, including this one in edinburgh. the scottish government has urged people to limit social contacts in the run—up to christmas. already, some hospitality venues report that customers are voting with their feet and cancelling bookings. one restaurant owner told us he had seen 650 cancellations at

one site, and government help was needed. it one site, and government help was needed. , ., ., , ., 4' needed. it is going to be working out how we _ needed. it is going to be working out how we survive, _ needed. it is going to be working out how we survive, how - needed. it is going to be working out how we survive, how we - needed. it is going to be working out how we survive, how we get| out how we survive, how we get through. — out how we survive, how we get through, where are the losses, where are the _ through, where are the losses, where are the gaps, how do we feel them? and the _ are the gaps, how do we feel them? and the bigger picture for hospitality as the government needs to look— hospitality as the government needs to took at— hospitality as the government needs to look at the huge catastrophic tosses— to look at the huge catastrophic losses that this industry is making. the picture — losses that this industry is making. the picture seems bleaker, but vaccine coverage is much more widespread than in the january wave, deaths for now are a lot lower, and there are more therapies for covid patients. our medical editor fergus walsh is here. just listening to professor chris whitty tonight, it is the speed of this that is worrying him so much, and it means a lot of people will all be getting sick at the same time. , , ., ., time. yes, sophie, we have to --reare time. yes, sophie, we have to prepare ourselves _ time. yes, sophie, we have to prepare ourselves for - time. yes, sophie, we have to prepare ourselves for these i time. yes, sophie, we have to l prepare ourselves for these case numbers to really rise dramatically. omicron infection are doubling every two days or so, so we could get astonishingly high numbers by the end of the year. the big unknown is, what proportion of those are going

to be serious? that sounds scary, but in many ways we are in a much better place than we were this time last year. hospitaladmissions better place than we were this time last year. hospital admissions for the over 85 is, the group most at risk, art nine times lower now than they were in january. risk, art nine times lower now than they were injanuary. these are three omicron figures, but that is because of vaccines —— pre—omicron. so if you are double or triple jab, your individual risk from covid should be much lower than it was a year ago, should be much lower than it was a yearago, but should be much lower than it was a year ago, but if there is a tsunami of cases, and they all come at the same time, even a small fraction of those being admitted to hospital could lead to a big impact on the nhs after christmas. ten could lead to a big impact on the nhs after christmas.— nhs after christmas. ten days until christmas, what _ nhs after christmas. ten days until christmas, what is _ nhs after christmas. ten days until christmas, what is the _ nhs after christmas. ten days until christmas, what is the advice - nhs after christmas. ten days until christmas, what is the advice for i christmas, what is the advice for people running up to it? ichris people running up to it? chris whitty said — people running up to it? chris whitty said that _ people running up to it? chris whitty said that people - people running up to it? (ct 3 whitty said that people should prioritise what matters to them. do not mix with people you don't have to it was his clear message. the prime minister said repeatedly he is

not closing hospitality, not cancelling events, but think carefully, he said, do lateralflow tests, wash your hands, open windows, he said his plans over christmas were pretty modest. yesterday of course, nicola sturgeon asked people in scotland to limit socialising to just three households. socialising to 'ust three households._ socialising to 'ust three households. , . ., , socialising to 'ust three households. , . . , ., ~ socialising to 'ust three households. , . . , ., ,, scotland, wales and northern ireland already have covid passports, and from today people in england need what's being called a covid pass to get into large venues, like nightclubs and stadiums. all adults must prove they are fully vaccinated, or have a negative covid test from within the last 48 hours. to prove that, you can show an nhs covid pass or a text or emailfrom nhs test and trace. you'll need that now to go to indoor unseated venues with more than 500 people, so nightclubs, for example, outdoor unseated venues with more than 4,000 people, or any venue with more than 10,000 people. our correspondent andrew plant

reports from bristol. hi, guys, you got your covid passes? proof of vaccinations or negative tests. , ., proof of vaccinations or negative tests. , . ., ~ proof of vaccinations or negative tests. , . ., ,, , ., proof of vaccinations or negative tests. , ., ., ~' , ., , , tests. great, thank you, guys. suddenly _ tests. great, thank you, guys. suddenly needed _ tests. great, thank you, guys. suddenly needed all— tests. great, thank you, guys. suddenly needed all across i tests. great, thank you, guys. - suddenly needed all across england today. thousands attending football matches will find themselves affected. this club asking fans to arrive an hour early. if} affected. this club asking fans to arrive an hour early.— affected. this club asking fans to arrive an hour early. 50 extra staff cominu in arrive an hour early. 50 extra staff coming in on _ arrive an hour early. 50 extra staff coming in on saturday, _ arrive an hour early. 50 extra staff coming in on saturday, hopefully i coming in on saturday, hopefully won't be too long... coming in on saturday, hopefully won't be too long. . ._ coming in on saturday, hopefully won't be too long... they said the extra time — won't be too long... they said the extra time and _ won't be too long... they said the extra time and extra _ won't be too long... they said the extra time and extra costs - won't be too long... they said the extra time and extra costs are - won't be too long... they said the extra time and extra costs are a i extra time and extra costs are a small price to pay to keep fans a safe and stay open. brute small price to pay to keep fans a safe and stay open.— small price to pay to keep fans a safe and stay open. we have all been throu~h safe and stay open. we have all been through the — safe and stay open. we have all been through the lockdowns, _ safe and stay open. we have all been through the lockdowns, the - safe and stay open. we have all been through the lockdowns, the 18 - through the lockdowns, the 18 months of pain and the impact on employment, and on the economy, so the alternative, let's prove to the government we can do this and do this safely, and we can speak two keep venues, stevia, hospitality moving. keep venues, stevia, hospitality movinu. �* , ., keep venues, stevia, hospitality movinu. , ., ':: 11:11: moving. any venue with over 10,000 eo - le, moving. any venue with over 10,000 people. and — moving. any venue with over 10,000 people. and every — moving. any venue with over 10,000 people, and every night _ moving. any venue with over 10,000 people, and every night club, - moving. any venue with over 10,000 people, and every night club, will. people, and every night club, will need to make checks, either proof of double vaccinations or a recent negative covid test.—

double vaccinations or a recent negative covid test. when i found out i had negative covid test. when i found out i had to _ negative covid test. when i found out i had to do _ negative covid test. when i found out i had to do it, _ negative covid test. when i found out i had to do it, i _ negative covid test. when i found out i had to do it, i thought - negative covid test. when i found out i had to do it, i thought it - out i had to do it, i thought it would — out i had to do it, i thought it would be _ out i had to do it, i thought it would be difficult, but i went on to the nhs _ would be difficult, but i went on to the nhs app, and it took me five minutes — the nhs app, and it took me five minutes. we the nhs app, and it took me five minutes. ~ ., the nhs app, and it took me five minutes. ~ . ., the nhs app, and it took me five minutes. ~ . . ., .. ., the nhs app, and it took me five minutes. . . . ., .. ., ., minutes. we are all vaccinated, all u . minutes. we are all vaccinated, all u- to minutes. we are all vaccinated, all up to date. — minutes. we are all vaccinated, all up to date. we _ minutes. we are all vaccinated, all up to date, we have _ minutes. we are all vaccinated, all up to date, we have our _ minutes. we are all vaccinated, all up to date, we have our masks - minutes. we are all vaccinated, all| up to date, we have our masks and minutes. we are all vaccinated, all - up to date, we have our masks and we are going on, and i think the covid passis are going on, and i think the covid pass is a brilliant idea. shifter pass is a brilliant idea. after beinu pass is a brilliant idea. after being closed _ pass is a brilliant idea. after being closed for— pass is a brilliant idea. after being closed for almost - pass is a brilliant idea. after being closed for almost 18 i pass is a brilliant idea. after being closed for almost 18 months, this nightclub reopened in august. it is a whole new scenario for us. concerns— it is a whole new scenario for us. concerns here, though, that some will find a new entry rules confusing. i will find a new entry rules confusing-— will find a new entry rules confusinu. ,, ., ., ., , .,, confusing. i think a lot of people will be unaware _ confusing. i think a lot of people will be unaware that _ confusing. i think a lot of people will be unaware that they - confusing. i think a lot of people will be unaware that they need l confusing. i think a lot of people | will be unaware that they need to show— will be unaware that they need to show anything, or perhaps they haven't— show anything, or perhaps they haven't got the right format in which — haven't got the right format in which to— haven't got the right format in which to show it. what about people who do _ which to show it. what about people who do not — which to show it. what about people who do not have a mobile phone? what about— who do not have a mobile phone? what about people who do not access the nhs app? _ about people who do not access the nhs app? what do we do, do we turn them— nhs app? what do we do, do we turn them away— nhs app? what do we do, do we turn them away because they do not have access _ them away because they do not have access to _ them away because they do not have access to that technology? some entertainment _ access to that technology? some entertainment venues _ access to that technology? some entertainment venues have - access to that technology? ”he entertainment venues have recently reported sharp drops in their bookings, blaming people's fears over the omicron variant and not wanting to have their christmas plans disrupted. many, though, are hoping the new —— hoping the new

covid pass scheme might give people more confidence about going to big, busy places over the next few weeks. after months with almost no income, many were relying on a bumper christmas, and say more government help could be needed. brute christmas, and say more government help could be needed.— help could be needed. we have got the vat relief — help could be needed. we have got the vat relief extended _ help could be needed. we have got the vat relief extended until- help could be needed. we have got the vat relief extended until aprill the vat relief extended until april 2022, where it is at 12.5%, at which point it goes back up to 20%. we would ask that that is extended. checking covid pass is now the norm for many venues, hoping it is enough to keep people coming in. andrew plant, bbc news. the cost of living has risen at its fastest rate for ten years with inflation at 5.1% last month. the office for national statistics says a surge in transport and energy costs drove the increase. our economics editor faisal islam has more. it is not just it is notjust here in cardiff that inflation is reaching ever dizzy heights. across the nation prices are rising at their fastest rate in

decades, driven by record petrol prices, massive spikes in gas and electricity, and now clothing and food price rises too, raising questions about how quickly it will come back down—to—earth. the official rate of inflation reached 5.1% in november, the highest level since 2011 and well over the double rate targeted by the bank of england. the older price index measure, still used by some government departments and to set some bills, reached 7.1%, the highest level in over 30 years. this reflects the every day experience of those at the cardiff christmas market, with widespread price pressures and now uncertainty over the spread of the variant. food pressures and now uncertainty over the spread of the variant.— the spread of the variant. food has one u - , the spread of the variant. food has gone up. travel— the spread of the variant. food has gone up, travel has _ the spread of the variant. food has gone up, travel has gone _ the spread of the variant. food has gone up, travel has gone up, - gone up, travel has gone up, everything to do with every day living really. so people are still buying, but i think they are considering it more carefully. importing my cheese has gone up, and

lots importing my cheese has gone up, and tots of— importing my cheese has gone up, and tots of other— importing my cheese has gone up, and lots of other things like diesel is increasing — lots of other things like diesel is increasing in cost at the moment, but because we have had such a long time tocked — but because we have had such a long time locked down people have more spare _ time locked down people have more spare money. if time locked down people have more spare money-— time locked down people have more spare money. if as we fear there may be some further— spare money. if as we fear there may be some further social _ spare money. if as we fear there may be some further social restrictions, . be some further social restrictions, what does that due to consumer confidence? i what does that due to consumer confidence?— confidence? i imagine it will kill it off. confidence? i imagine it will kill it off- the _ confidence? i imagine it will kill it off. the same _ confidence? i imagine it will kill it off. the same uncertainty - confidence? i imagine it will kill. it off. the same uncertainty affects decision makers _ it off. the same uncertainty affects decision makers at _ it off. the same uncertainty affects decision makers at the _ it off. the same uncertainty affects decision makers at the bank- it off. the same uncertainty affects decision makers at the bank of - decision makers at the bank of england, pondering whether to raise interest rates tomorrow. significant price rises are here for months to come, just how many months depends on whether price rises lead to wage rises and then further price rises a spiral. but the fact on employment did not rise after the end of the furlough scheme means the bank of england thinks it has the green light to start raising interest rates slowly. that could come tomorrow, but because of the omicron variant, it could also be delayed until february. if energy prices continue to rise into next year, affecting those on fixed incomes...

such as chrissy, a pensioner in somerset whose bills have gone from thousand pounds a year to over £2000. . , . , , thousand pounds a year to over £2000. , . _ ._ £2000. just incredibly worrying because you — £2000. just incredibly worrying because you don't _ £2000. just incredibly worrying because you don't know- £2000. just incredibly worrying because you don't know where l £2000. just incredibly worrying | because you don't know where it £2000. just incredibly worrying i because you don't know where it is going to end. it is mainly energy. but other things too?— but other things too? petrol is a ridiculous price. _ but other things too? petrol is a ridiculous price. it _ but other things too? petrol is a ridiculous price. it is _ but other things too? petrol is a ridiculous price. it is going - but other things too? petrol is a ridiculous price. it is going to i but other things too? petrol is a ridiculous price. it is going to bej ridiculous price. it is going to be a tricky balancing _ ridiculous price. it is going to be a tricky balancing act _ ridiculous price. it is going to be a tricky balancing act for- ridiculous price. it is going to be a tricky balancing act for many l a tricky balancing act for many households this winter. faisal islam, bbc news. the time is almost 6.20pm. our top story this evening. the highest number of coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic, more than 78,000. and a hero's welcome for formula one's new world champion — max verstappen — as he returns to the team's red bull factory. coming up on sportsday in the next 15 minutes on the bbc news channel... we're hours away from the start of the second ashes test, we'll have the lastest from adelaide, where james anderson is expected

to make his return to the side. the woman who murdered 16—month—old star hobson after inflicting �*utterly catastrophic�* injuries on the toddler has been given a life sentence. 28—year—old savannah brockhill has been jailed for a minimum of 25 years. the little girl's mother, frankie smith, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for causing or allowing her daughter's death. a warning, this report by danny savage contains distressing images. star hobson was murdered when she wasjust 16 months old. today star hobson was murdered when she was just 16 months old. today the two people who should have loved and cared for her but instead were responsible for her death were sentenced for their crimes. this is star with savannah brockhill, the woman who would later kill her. she was an amateur boxer with a violent

temper, which she often took out on the toddler. she was sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison. the judge said she had shown no remorse. frankie smith was imprisoned and the judge said she had played a significant role, something she will have to live with for the rest of her life. ., ., , ., her life. throughout her short life, star was subject _ her life. throughout her short life, star was subject to _ her life. throughout her short life, star was subject to endless - her life. throughout her short life, | star was subject to endless physical assaults and psychological harm instead of the love and protection, she experienced a world of cruelty and pain. she experienced a world of cruelty and ain. . ., .,, she experienced a world of cruelty and ain. ,, . ,, ., ., she experienced a world of cruelty and ain. ,, . ~' ., ., . and pain. star was known to police and pain. star was known to police and social services. _ and pain. star was known to police and social services. today - and pain. star was known to police and social services. today a - and pain. star was known to police and social services. today a familyj and social services. today a family member gave us a video of star with bruises. taken days before she died, it shows injuries to her nose, cheek and ear and it shows injuries to her nose, cheek and earand led it shows injuries to her nose, cheek and ear and led to her great grandfather contacting social services. i grandfather contacting social services. ., grandfather contacting social services. . , ., . services. i have never seen a child in my life with _ services. i have never seen a child in my life with a _ services. i have never seen a child in my life with a black _ services. i have never seen a child in my life with a black ear. - services. i have never seen a child in my life with a black ear. it - services. i have never seen a child| in my life with a black ear. it came

into my head that she had been slapped, which caused it, and that brought concerns to me. they could have took her to the hospital, could have took her to the hospital, could have got her checked out, and may all these injuries are what she had would have come alight. ijust feel let down by them. would have come alight. i 'ust feel let down by themfi let down by them. parliament was toda told let down by them. parliament was today told the _ let down by them. parliament was today told the murder _ let down by them. parliament was today told the murder of - let down by them. parliament was today told the murder of this - let down by them. parliament was today told the murder of this child should be accompanied by sadness and bewilderment that it was allowed to happen. the government has bradford city council in its sights over what went wrong. danny savage, bbc news, bradford. a parliamentary inquiry women who w inquiry ere forced to give up their babies for adoption in the 1950s, �*60s and �*70s are among those due to give evidence to a parliamentary inquiry which got under way today. the inquiry will examine why

thousands of pregnant, unmarried women were pressured into giving up their babies in post—war years. the tv personality katie price has avoided a prison sentence after admitting drink—driving while disqualified and without insurance following a crash in september. she was given a 16—week suspended jail term at crawley magistrates�* court. the judge told the former model that she�*d been "incredibly selfish" and showed "no concern for the lives of others" when the crash happened. a man who murdered two women in kent more than 30 years ago and then, decades later, went on to sexually assault the bodies of more than 100 women and girls in hospital morturies has been told he will die injail. david fuller killed and then sexually assaulted 25—year—old wendy knell and 20—year—old caroline pierce in separate attacks in tunbridge wells in 1987. 30 years later, he was caught after a breakthrough in dna evidence. a search of his home revealed recordings of fuller attacking dead bodies over a period of more than ten years from 2008 at two hospitals in kent where he worked as an electrician. our health correspondent catherine burns has been speaking to a family whose loved ones were victims of the mortuary attacks, and her report contains

distressing details. a mother who has experienced huge loss. she knows pain all too well. it is not good for parents, no one deserves it. nobody deserves it. now she and her remaining family face fresh agony. so beautiful. �* , fresh agony. so beautiful. ~ , , so beautiful. daughter audrey gets some comfort _ so beautiful. daughter audrey gets some comfort remembering - so beautiful. daughter audrey gets some comfort remembering her. some comfort remembering her sisters. 22—year—old helen, and mary who was just years old. she sisters. 22-year-old helen, and mary who wasjust years old.— who was 'ust years old. she was a bab of who wasjust years old. she was a baby of the _ who wasjust years old. she was a baby of the family. _ easter 2014, nike was the sole survivor after a crash on the motorway in kent. mary and helen, who were on holiday with their parents from their home in france,

were killed instantly. their dad michael died two years later. seven years on, the grief is ever present. there is no morejoy in anything there is no more joy in anything because — there is no more joy in anything because we used to do that together. we are _ because we used to do that together. we are stilt— because we used to do that together. we are still alive but there is no more _ we are still alive but there is no more life — we are still alive but there is no more life-— we are still alive but there is no more life. . ., , ., ., ., more life. and now you are dealing with fresh pain _ more life. and now you are dealing with fresh pain on _ more life. and now you are dealing with fresh pain on top _ more life. and now you are dealing with fresh pain on top of _ more life. and now you are dealing with fresh pain on top of that. - more life. and now you are dealing with fresh pain on top of that. it's. with fresh pain on top of that. it's 'ust like with fresh pain on top of that. it's just like as _ with fresh pain on top of that. it's just like as if he killed them twice — just like as if he killed them twice. �* ., just like as if he killed them twice. �* . . , twice. i'm admitting the offences but i twice. i'm admitting the offences but i don't _ twice. i'm admitting the offences but i don't want _ twice. i'm admitting the offences but i don't want to _ twice. i'm admitting the offences but i don't want to go _ twice. i'm admitting the offences but i don't want to go into - twice. i'm admitting the offencesj but i don't want to go into detail. david _ but i don't want to go into detail. david futter— but i don't want to go into detail. david fuller worked _ but i don't want to go into detail. david fuller worked at _ but i don't want to go into detail. david fuller worked at an - david fuller worked at an electrician at two hospitals in tunbridge wells. he catalogued photos and videos of him sexually abusing at least 100 women and children in the mortuaries. it is just two months since police broke the news to victims�* families. iterate the news to victims' families. we lost our sisters, my mother lost her kids _ lost our sisters, my mother lost her kids the _ lost our sisters, my mother lost her kids. the nightmare is not true, this cannot _ kids. the nightmare is not true, this cannot be. how can somebody... two young _ this cannot be. how can somebody... two young girls died, and now you just _ two young girls died, and now you 'ust... ~ ., ., i. two young girls died, and now you 'ust...~ ., ., i.

two young girls died, and now you just... what would you say if you could speak _ just... what would you say if you could speak with _ just... what would you say if you could speak with david _ just... what would you say if you could speak with david fuller? i just... what would you say if you could speak with david fuller? ll could speak with david fuller? i would say what is wrong with you? don't _ would say what is wrong with you? don't you — would say what is wrong with you? don't you have the heart to feel the pain of— don't you have the heart to feel the pain of the — don't you have the heart to feel the pain of the family? this don't you have the heart to feel the pain of the family?— don't you have the heart to feel the pain of the family? this is demonic, it is satanic- — pain of the family? this is demonic, it is satanic. can _ pain of the family? this is demonic, it is satanic. can you _ pain of the family? this is demonic, it is satanic. can you give _ pain of the family? this is demonic, it is satanic. can you give yourself. it is satanic. can you give yourself to for: ive it is satanic. can you give yourself to forgive him? _ it is satanic. can you give yourself to forgive him? yes, _ it is satanic. can you give yourself to forgive him? yes, god - it is satanic. can you give yourself to forgive him? yes, god forgives| to forgive him? yes, god forgives an one, to forgive him? yes, god forgives anyone. who _ to forgive him? yes, god forgives anyone. who i _ to forgive him? yes, god forgives anyone, who i not _ to forgive him? yes, god forgives anyone, who i not to _ to forgive him? yes, god forgives anyone, who i not to forgive? - to forgive him? yes, god forgives| anyone, who i not to forgive? why did ou anyone, who i not to forgive? why did you want _ anyone, who i not to forgive? why did you want to — anyone, who i not to forgive? why did you want to do _ anyone, who i not to forgive? why did you want to do this interview? anyone, who i not to forgive? why | did you want to do this interview? a tribute, they deserve it. they were tovety~ _ tribute, they deserve it. they were tovety~ we — tribute, they deserve it. they were lovely. we really loved them. catherine burns, bbc news, in kent. the racing driver lewis hamilton has been knighted at windsor castle, just days after controversially losing out on a record eighth formula 1 world title. sir lewis received the honour for services to motorsports from the prince of wales. meanwhile, f1�*s new world champion, max verstappen, has been celebrating his title

with his red bull team at their factory in milton keynes. from there, our sports editor dan roan reports. it may have been at a slower speed than usual, but formula one�*s new world champion returned to a hero�*s welcome today. max verstappen, able to celebrate with the entire staff at red bull�*s base in milton keynes, later the dutch driver telling me how it felt to have realised a lifelong ambition. it how it felt to have realised a lifelong ambition.— how it felt to have realised a lifelong ambition. it is slowly sinkin: lifelong ambition. it is slowly sinking in _ lifelong ambition. it is slowly sinking in but _ lifelong ambition. it is slowly sinking in but also _ lifelong ambition. it is slowly sinking in but also it - lifelong ambition. it is slowly sinking in but also it has - lifelong ambition. it is slowly| sinking in but also it has been lifelong ambition. it is slowly - sinking in but also it has been very hectic so i�*m also pretty tired at the moment. anything that will happen now is a bonus. not much will change but in the back of your mind you are a bit more relaxed because your ultimate goal you have achieved already. ihis your ultimate goal you have achieved alread . , . ., , ., , already. his victory over lewis hamilton _ already. his victory over lewis hamilton in — already. his victory over lewis hamilton in the _ already. his victory over lewis hamilton in the season's - already. his victory over lewis i hamilton in the season's deciding hamilton in the season�*s deciding race in abu dhabi has divided the sport. mercedes failing with two protests after the dutch was given the chance to claim the title in the final lap after a restart, so has

the controversy tainted the success? not for me and not for the team. we raised when there was a green light, green flag and beat them on the track. when you look over the whole season, we had the most poles, most wins. ~ . , ., .,, ., season, we had the most poles, most wins. ~ . , ., ., ., wins. mercedes have the option of a- ealinu , wins. mercedes have the option of appealing. they _ wins. mercedes have the option of appealing, they have _ wins. mercedes have the option of appealing, they have until- wins. mercedes have the option of. appealing, they have until tomorrow evening to decide. would you like them now to just stop this fight and accept the result? it is them now to just stop this fight and accept the result?— accept the result? it is difficult. i cannot accept the result? it is difficult. i cannot speak _ accept the result? it is difficult. i cannot speak for _ accept the result? it is difficult. i cannot speak for them. - accept the result? it is difficult. i cannot speak for them. i - accept the result? it is difficult. i cannot speak for them. i think j i cannot speakfor them. i think races should be won on the track. we will celebrate regardless, bit we at least won it on the track.— least won it on the track. having missed out _ least won it on the track. having missed out on _ least won it on the track. having missed out on a _ least won it on the track. having missed out on a record - least won it on the track. having missed out on a record eighth i least won it on the track. having i missed out on a record eighth title, hamilton meanwhile could at least celebrate receiving his knighthood today, max verstappen full of praise for the man who pushed him on the way. it for the man who pushed him on the wa . ., , for the man who pushed him on the wa , ., , , ., for the man who pushed him on the wa . . , , ., ., for the man who pushed him on the wa. ., ., , way. it has been a real pleasure fiuuhtin way. it has been a real pleasure fighting against _ way. it has been a real pleasure fighting against him. _ way. it has been a real pleasure fighting against him. we - way. it has been a real pleasure fighting against him. we had i way. it has been a real pleasure| fighting against him. we had our moments throughout the year when we clashed but we really respect each other because we have pushed each other because we have pushed each other to the limit.—

other to the limit. despite the fallout, max _ other to the limit. despite the fallout, max verstappen's - other to the limit. despite the i fallout, max verstappen's victory fallout, max verstappen�*s victory marks a new era for a sport which is winning new fans, and aged just 24 there could be much more success to come. dan roan, bbc news. time for a look at the weather. here�*s darren bett. hello, sophie. there was some sunshine around today, quite widely across yorkshire and into lincolnshire. these areas there will get chilly overnight. there may be mist and fog around because the winds are falling lighter. still some rain to move northwards away from northern ireland, light and patchy rain continuing northwards to the west of scotland overnight. some breaks in northern ireland and north—east england, so in these areas temperatures could be down to two degrees but it will be much milder elsewhere underneath the blanket of cloud once again. as we head into tomorrow, we will see the light and patchy rain pushing all the way up to shetland. any mist and

fog patches well lived. for many of us, it will be a cloudy day once again during tomorrow. but whilst the winds are lighter, it is still mild with temperatures widely in double figures, may be up to 12 degrees. the winds are falling lighter because this area of high pressure is heading to the uk, and it will sit around for quite some time. it pushes away all the weather front and the rain so it is essentially dry. a pinch of ground frost across the west of wales, the north of england and scotland but these areas are more likely to have sunshine during the day. elsewhere, the cloudy and grey skies will dominate the scene. those temperatures are starting to slip away a little bit, not quite as mild by the end of the week. high pressure is moving in and it is not going to be leaving any time soon, still sitting over the uk right the way through this weekend so it is keeping a lot of dry weather going through the weekend. for many though it will be a cloudy and quite dull

weekend but that limits the sunshine and also limits any frost overnight with clearer skies. as we head further into the weekend, it will start to feel just a little bit more chilly. darren, thank you. that�*s all from the bbc news at six, so it�*s goodbye from me and on bbc one we nowjoin the bbc�*s news teams where you are. test. test. test. if omicron continues to building across the whole of our united kingdom with over covid—19 cases today, the highest ever daily number of reported. and the pumping rate of omicron in some regions is now hello i�*m olly foster, here�*s what�*s coming up on sportsday no covid pass or negative test result then no entry. how workable are matchday checks at major events. the fans were going to find out at burnley tonight, but their match has been called off at short notice, opponents watford are dealing with a covid outbreak the second ashes test goes ahead in the few hours, we�*ll have the latest from adelaide, where james anderson should return to the england side. also coming up in the programme...

we look back at one of the great careers,