31 across 21 countries. there'll be two new events in asia and south africa and 8 tournaments return to the calendar. the tour starts in mid february. and that is all the sport for now. hello in a warm welcome to the first of two special editions of dateline london. next weekend at the turn of the year, we will make some predictions for 2022. this weekend, we concentrate on the waning year

and that seasonal classic. three ghosts to remind scrooge. we don't have ghost on this programme, we have ghost on this programme, we have guests. three distinguished journalists to reflect on the year. henry chu, isabel hilton and the bbc�*s lyse doucet. a very warm welcome for it to you all. thanks for breaking off to be with us on dateline. let us begin as you would expect with the virus. isabel, can you start by talking about how this year has been different from the previous year? this is the second yearin previous year? this is the second year in which we had to learn to deal with covid. year in which we had to learn to deal with (avid.— year in which we had to learn to deal with covid. you're absolutely ri . ht. deal with covid. you're absolutely riuht. i deal with covid. you're absolutely right- i think— deal with covid. you're absolutely right. | think that _ deal with covid. you're absolutely right. | think that fact _ deal with covid. you're absolutely right. i think that fact has - deal with covid. you're absolutely right. i think that fact has been i right. i think that fact has been the biggest shift. i think when it started, we probably all thought it would peak, and then it would be

normal. but i think now we understand, this is a systemic crisis. it's changing the way we live. it won't go away. our accommodation with it will be what matters going forward, but we'll always go on suffering from new variants, particularly since the divide between the privileged world and the last play village world and how we deal with it and prepare for it and how well we vaccinate against it. that has widen. economically, the local economy... the figures are all over the place because for part of this year, we've seen a big bounce back in the recovery, but i think gave a falsely optimistic picture. the previous year was so extremely lockdown. i think the shape of travel, these things will go back to where they were. just as

the poor have grown poorer, the rich have grown richer and the assumptions that i think we made about what global progress is, those probably changed profoundly. so, the global order�*s been shifting. china is more assertive, the us is still quite off balance. partly as a result of the trump presidency, but also in the handling of covid and thejudgements that have also in the handling of covid and the judgements that have been also in the handling of covid and thejudgements that have been made of governments and how they handle covid. they have thrown all sorts of political assumption than the question. in china, if you think back to when this started. there was huge criticism of the early mistakes, the suppression of the news, the suppression of the

whistle—blowers, the permitting of mass gatherings and the feelings that this could be a watershed moment for the party. the party reversed its policy. it has still got a zero currently in its policy, which has meant essentially that china has remained locked down as far as the outside world goes largely. in some ways, that's effective. but it's also a policy with no exit strategy. again, that's quite a big moment to understand that if china that had so greatly benefited from opening up is now shut down, it's a return to that kind of china which didn't have quite so much interaction with the rest of the world. the coming and going of people and cultures and students and all these things is severely restricted. and i think that may be a phase that should have

been whose new authoritarianism has flourished. white henry, which contraries do you think have handled it best and worst? what policies have really been successful? it’s have really been successful? it's certainly been instructive to sit here _ certainly been instructive to sit here now _ certainly been instructive to sit here now. to see how things have shifted _ here now. to see how things have shifted both in terms of the virus itself, _ shifted both in terms of the virus itself, being a mutating thing, and the way— itself, being a mutating thing, and the way the government 's about to do the same in terms of how they confronted~ — do the same in terms of how they confronted. looking back a little over a _ confronted. looking back a little over a year— confronted. looking back a little over a year ago, everyone was praising — over a year ago, everyone was praising new zealand for saying they could eradicate the virus, and they trumpeted — could eradicate the virus, and they trumpeted that very accomplishment. it was _ trumpeted that very accomplishment. it wasjust_ trumpeted that very accomplishment. it wasjust this trumpeted that very accomplishment. it was just this year that they've had to— it was just this year that they've had to backtrack on that and say took. _ had to backtrack on that and say took. we — had to backtrack on that and say look, we cannot get rid of it entirety— look, we cannot get rid of it entirely unless we completely cut ourselves — entirely unless we completely cut ourselves off from the world, so we need _ ourselves off from the world, so we need to— ourselves off from the world, so we need to live — ourselves off from the world, so we need to live with it. same with germany, _ need to live with it. same with germany, which was being boosted as a paragon _ germany, which was being boosted as a paragon of— germany, which was being boosted as a paragon of how to respond to the virus _ a paragon of how to respond to the

virus. they've also had protests at home _ virus. they've also had protests at home against lockdowns and other restrictions measures. they've had a bit slower— restrictions measures. they've had a bit slower vaccination uptake than they expected, so they had to really play the _ they expected, so they had to really play the game and try to keep on top of things _ play the game and try to keep on top of things i_ play the game and try to keep on top of things. i think what it's shown us is _ of things. i think what it's shown us is that— of things. i think what it's shown us is that no single one policy is going _ us is that no single one policy is going to — us is that no single one policy is going to take a country out of danger — going to take a country out of danger. everything has to be multipronged. vaccinations now are making _ multipronged. vaccinations now are making an _ multipronged. vaccinations now are making an incredible advance. we are ina making an incredible advance. we are in a iletter— making an incredible advance. we are in a better situation because of science — in a better situation because of science and the fact we have these inoculations. to try to put all your eggs _ inoculations. to try to put all your eggs into— inoculations. to try to put all your eggs into that backs it is wrong. we've _ eggs into that backs it is wrong. we've seen that a little bit here in britain _ we've seen that a little bit here in britain where it's all about the job upon~ _ britain where it's all about the job upon~ -- — britain where it's all about the job upon. —— jabathon. that cannot be the ire-aii— upon. —— jabathon. that cannot be the be—all and end all. we have restrictions which other countries never— restrictions which other countries never dropped. those now have to

come _ never dropped. those now have to come into — never dropped. those now have to come into play as well, so there's not going — come into play as well, so there's not going to be any magic bullet that witi— not going to be any magic bullet that will solve this problem. you in another— that will solve this problem. you in another country that also seems to be doing _ another country that also seems to be doing very well. australia, which said we're _ be doing very well. australia, which said we're going to ban travel in and out — said we're going to ban travel in and out at — said we're going to ban travel in and out at the first sign of any positive test. that seems to keep casetoads— positive test. that seems to keep caseloads down, but at the cost of what? _ caseloads down, but at the cost of what? enlist lockdowns for residents of melbourne, for example, people who cannot travel out of australia deceived — who cannot travel out of australia deceived grandchildren, dying relatives and a ten other important events— relatives and a ten other important events -- — relatives and a ten other important events —— jabathon c grandchildren. there _ events —— jabathon c grandchildren. there were — events —— jabathon c grandchildren. there were human costs beyond keeping — there were human costs beyond keeping people safe —— to see grandchildren. can keeping people safe -- to see grandchildren.— keeping people safe -- to see grandchildren. can i pick up lyse doucet on _ grandchildren. can i pick up lyse doucet on something _ grandchildren. can i pick up lyse doucet on something that - grandchildren. can i pick up lyse doucet on something that isabel| grandchildren. can i pick up lyse - doucet on something that isabel said about the growing division? hasn't

meant us and them? hater? about the growing division? hasn't meant us and them?— about the growing division? hasn't meant us and them? very much so. the science has been _ meant us and them? very much so. the science has been a _ meant us and them? very much so. the science has been a stunning _ meant us and them? very much so. the science has been a stunning success. i science has been a stunning success. never— science has been a stunning success. never have _ science has been a stunning success. never have vaccines _ science has been a stunning success. never have vaccines been _ science has been a stunning success. never have vaccines been developed | never have vaccines been developed in such— never have vaccines been developed in such record — never have vaccines been developed in such record time. _ never have vaccines been developed in such record time. 23, _ never have vaccines been developed in such record time. 23, i— never have vaccines been developed in such record time. 23, i think, - in such record time. 23, i think, around — in such record time. 23, i think, around the _ in such record time. 23, i think, around the world, _ in such record time. 23, i think, around the world, some - in such record time. 23, i think, around the world, some 8 - in such record time. 23, i think, i around the world, some 8 billion doses _ around the world, some 8 billion doses but — around the world, some 8 billion doses but the _ around the world, some 8 billion doses. but the fairness - around the world, some 8 billion doses. but the fairness of - around the world, some 8 billion doses. but the fairness of it - around the world, some 8 billion doses. but the fairness of it all. doses. but the fairness of it all has been — doses. but the fairness of it all has been a _ doses. but the fairness of it all has been a stunning _ doses. but the fairness of it all has been a stunning failure. i doses. but the fairness of it all. has been a stunning failure. the world had — has been a stunning failure. the world had two _ has been a stunning failure. the world had two chances. - has been a stunning failure. the world had two chances. even i has been a stunning failure. the world had two chances. even on| has been a stunning failure. the i world had two chances. even on this programme, — world had two chances. even on this programme, when— world had two chances. even on this programme, when the _ world had two chances. even on this programme, when the pandemic- world had two chances. even on thisi programme, when the pandemic was starting, _ programme, when the pandemic was starting, we — programme, when the pandemic was starting, we talked _ programme, when the pandemic was starting, we talked about _ programme, when the pandemic was starting, we talked about the - starting, we talked about the mantra- _ starting, we talked about the mantra- no— starting, we talked about the mantra— no one _ starting, we talked about the mantra— no one is— starting, we talked about the mantra— no one is safe - starting, we talked about the mantra— no one is safe untill mantra— no one is safe until everyone _ mantra— no one is safe until everyone is— mantra— no one is safe until everyone is safe. _ mantra— no one is safe until everyone is safe. round i mantra— no one is safe until. everyone is safe. round one, mantra— no one is safe until- everyone is safe. round one, the wealthy— everyone is safe. round one, the wealthy worid _ everyone is safe. round one, the wealthy world bought _ everyone is safe. round one, the wealthy world bought up - everyone is safe. round one, the wealthy world bought up all i everyone is safe. round one, the wealthy world bought up all the i everyone is safe. round one, the i wealthy world bought up all the ppe. even poor— wealthy world bought up all the ppe. even poor countries— wealthy world bought up all the ppe. even poor countries like _ wealthy world bought up all the ppe. even poor countries like and - even poor countries like and understand, _ even poor countries like and understand, there _ even poor countries like and understand, there was i even poor countries like and understand, there was no i even poor countries like and - understand, there was no resources. when _ understand, there was no resources. when we _ understand, there was no resources. when we got — understand, there was no resources. when we got a — understand, there was no resources. when we got a second _ understand, there was no resources. when we got a second chance, - understand, there was no resources. when we got a second chance, the l when we got a second chance, the vaccine _ when we got a second chance, the vaccine roll—out. _ when we got a second chance, the vaccine roll—out. we _ when we got a second chance, the vaccine roll—out. we did _ when we got a second chance, the vaccine roll—out. we did worse i when we got a second chance, thel vaccine roll—out. we did worse than the first _ vaccine roll—out. we did worse than the first time — vaccine roll—out. we did worse than the first time around. _ vaccine roll—out. we did worse than the first time around. as _ vaccine roll—out. we did worse than the first time around. as we - the first time around. as we speak, israei— the first time around. as we speak, israet is _ the first time around. as we speak, israel is providing _

the first time around. as we speak, israel is providing the _ the first time around. as we speak, israel is providing the fourth - israel is providing the fourth shot to those — israel is providing the fourth shot to those over— israel is providing the fourth shot to those over 60, _ israel is providing the fourth shot to those over 60, where - israel is providing the fourth shot to those over 60, where the i israel is providing the fourth shot i to those over 60, where the average in poorer— to those over 60, where the average in poorer countries _ to those over 60, where the average in poorer countries is _ to those over 60, where the average in poorer countries is somewhere i in poorer countries is somewhere around _ in poorer countries is somewhere around 21%~ _ in poorer countries is somewhere around 21%. wealthy— in poorer countries is somewhere around 21%. wealthy nations, i in poorer countries is somewhere around 21%. wealthy nations, it's around _ around 21%. wealthy nations, it's around 83. — around 21%. wealthy nations, it's around 83. 80 _ around 21%. wealthy nations, it's around 83, 80 6%. _ around 21%. wealthy nations, it's around 83, 80 6%. of— around 21%. wealthy nations, it's around 83, 80 6%. of course, i around 83, 80 6%. of course, governments _ around 83, 80 6%. of course, governments have _ around 83, 80 6%. of course, governments have to - around 83, 80 6%. of course, governments have to take i around 83,80 6%. of course, i governments have to take care of their— governments have to take care of their own — governments have to take care of their own peopte _ governments have to take care of their own people first _ governments have to take care of their own people first —— - governments have to take care of their own people first —— 86. i governments have to take care of their own people first —— 86. a i governments have to take care of. their own people first —— 86. a rise of 0micron — their own people first —— 86. a rise of 0micron has _ their own people first —— 86. a rise of omicron has reminded - their own people first —— 86. a rise of omicron has reminded us - their own people first —— 86. a rise of omicron has reminded us againl their own people first —— 86. a risel of omicron has reminded us again if we need _ of omicron has reminded us again if we need to— of omicron has reminded us again if we need to be — of omicron has reminded us again if we need to be reminded _ of omicron has reminded us again if we need to be reminded that - of omicron has reminded us again if we need to be reminded that if- of omicron has reminded us again ifi we need to be reminded that if there are swathes — we need to be reminded that if there are swathes of— we need to be reminded that if there are swathes of on _ we need to be reminded that if there are swathes of on vaccination - are swathes of on vaccination populations, _ are swathes of on vaccination populations, this— are swathes of on vaccination populations, this gives - are swathes of on vaccination l populations, this gives chances are swathes of on vaccination i populations, this gives chances for the virus _ populations, this gives chances for the virus to— populations, this gives chances for the virus to mutate, _ populations, this gives chances for the virus to mutate, so _ populations, this gives chances for the virus to mutate, so just - populations, this gives chances for the virus to mutate, so just when. populations, this gives chances for l the virus to mutate, so just when we were _ the virus to mutate, so just when we were settting — the virus to mutate, so just when we were settling comfortably, _ the virus to mutate, so just when we were settling comfortably, thinking i were settling comfortably, thinking were settling comfortably, thinking we could _ were settling comfortably, thinking we could celebrate _ were settling comfortably, thinking we could celebrate the _ were settling comfortably, thinking we could celebrate the end - were settling comfortably, thinking we could celebrate the end of- were settling comfortably, thinking we could celebrate the end of the i we could celebrate the end of the year. _ we could celebrate the end of the year. people— we could celebrate the end of the year. peopte are _ we could celebrate the end of the year, people are considering i year, people are considering lockdowns again— year, people are considering lockdowns again and - year, people are considering lockdowns again and the i year, people are considering. lockdowns again and the virus year, people are considering i lockdowns again and the virus is track— lockdowns again and the virus is back with — lockdowns again and the virus is back with us _ lockdowns again and the virus is back with us. millie _ lockdowns again and the virus is back with us. millie get - lockdowns again and the virus is back with us. millie get a - lockdowns again and the virus is back with us. millie get a third i back with us. millie get a third chance? — back with us. millie get a third chance? i'm _ back with us. millie get a third chance? i'm not— back with us. millie get a third chance? i'm not sure. - back with us. millie get a third chance? i'm not sure. it- back with us. millie get a third i chance? i'm not sure. it sometimes comes— chance? i'm not sure. it sometimes comes in— chance? i'm not sure. it sometimes comes in threes _ chance? i'm not sure. it sometimes comes in threes. yet _ chance? i'm not sure. it sometimes comes in threes. yet the _ chance? i'm not sure. it sometimes comes in threes. yet the science i chance? i'm not sure. it sometimes. comes in threes. yet the science was there _ comes in threes. yet the science was there nothing — comes in threes. yet the science was there. nothing was _ comes in threes. yet the science was there. nothing was secret _ comes in threes. yet the science was there. nothing was secret about i comes in threes. yet the science was there. nothing was secret about it. l there. nothing was secret about it. we knew— there. nothing was secret about it. we knew what _ there. nothing was secret about it. we knew what we _ there. nothing was secret about it. we knew what we had _ there. nothing was secret about it. we knew what we had to _ there. nothing was secret about it. we knew what we had to do, - there. nothing was secret about it. we knew what we had to do, but i we knew what we had to do, but people's— we knew what we had to do, but people's instinct _ we knew what we had to do, but people's instinct is _ we knew what we had to do, but people's instinct is to _ we knew what we had to do, but people's instinct is to protect i people's instinct is to protect

themselves _ people's instinct is to protect themselves. [5— people's instinct is to protect themselves.— people's instinct is to protect themselves. is an interesting challenge _ themselves. is an interesting challenge l — themselves. is an interesting challenge i suspect _ themselves. is an interesting challenge i suspect we i themselves. is an interesting challenge i suspect we will i themselves. is an interesting | challenge i suspect we will be talking about a year from now. let's move on and talk about the united states, and particular, the democratic challenge. the year began with donald trump's defeat in the november 2020 presidential election. that was just after the capital riot on january the 6th. it that was just after the capital riot onjanuary the 6th. it may have shaken some of the complacency among americans about how solid their democracy was. democrats were flying the flag and saying they would defend their democratic tradition. and yet, a month later, the democrat president is acquiescent in the re—establishment of it everything that's antithetical to the us system — and under no democratic —— and undemocratic to challenge. it

- and under no democratic -- and undemocratic to challenge. it hints at the way it's _ undemocratic to challenge. it hints at the way it's being _ undemocratic to challenge. it hints at the way it's being cast, - undemocratic to challenge. it hints at the way it's being cast, is i undemocratic to challenge. it hints at the way it's being cast, is a i at the way it's being cast, is a contest — at the way it's being cast, is a contest. joe _ at the way it's being cast, is a contest. joe biden _ at the way it's being cast, is a contest. joe biden talked i at the way it's being cast, is a i contest. joe biden talked about it. between _ contest. joe biden talked about it. between democracy— contest. joe biden talked about it. between democracy and _ contest. joe biden talked about it. i between democracy and autocracy. for years, _ between democracy and autocracy. for years. we _ between democracy and autocracy. for years. we used — between democracy and autocracy. for years. we used to _ between democracy and autocracy. for years, we used to talk _ between democracy and autocracy. for years, we used to talk about _ between democracy and autocracy. for years, we used to talk about the - years, we used to talk about the competition— years, we used to talk about the competition between— years, we used to talk about the competition between great i years, we used to talk about the i competition between great powers. now, _ competition between great powers. now. it's _ competition between great powers. now. it's been _ competition between great powers. now, it's been about _ competition between great powers. now, it's been about systems. i competition between great powers. i now, it's been about systems. isabel touched _ now, it's been about systems. isabel touched on— now, it's been about systems. isabel touched on this _ now, it's been about systems. isabel touched on this. on _ now, it's been about systems. isabel touched on this. on both _ now, it's been about systems. isabel touched on this. on both sides, - touched on this. on both sides, thev're — touched on this. on both sides, they're saying _ touched on this. on both sides, they're saying they— touched on this. on both sides, they're saying they have - touched on this. on both sides, they're saying they have the i touched on this. on both sides, i they're saying they have the best system — they're saying they have the best system china _ they're saying they have the best system. china is— they're saying they have the best system. china is saying - they're saying they have the best system. china is saying the - they're saying they have the best system. china is saying the statej system. china is saying the state run svstem — system. china is saying the state run system is _ system. china is saying the state run system is the _ system. china is saying the state run system is the best _ system. china is saying the state run system is the best for- system. china is saying the statei run system is the best for dealing with the _ run system is the best for dealing with the crises. _ run system is the best for dealing with the crises. whereas - run system is the best for dealing with the crises. whereas joe i run system is the best for dealing l with the crises. whereasjoe biden is saying. — with the crises. whereasjoe biden is saying. and— with the crises. whereasjoe biden is saying. and he_ with the crises. whereasjoe biden is saying, and he had _ with the crises. whereasjoe biden is saying, and he had a _ with the crises. whereasjoe biden is saying, and he had a summit - with the crises. whereasjoe biden is saying, and he had a summit tol with the crises. whereasjoe biden i is saying, and he had a summit to in point, _ is saying, and he had a summit to in point, hes— is saying, and he had a summit to in point, he's actually _ is saying, and he had a summit to in point, he's actually gathering - is saying, and he had a summit to in point, he's actually gathering them i point, he's actually gathering them and saying — point, he's actually gathering them and saying here _ point, he's actually gathering them and saying here we _ point, he's actually gathering them and saying here we are, _ point, he's actually gathering them and saying here we are, the - point, he's actually gathering them and saying here we are, the best . point, he's actually gathering them | and saying here we are, the best of the best _ and saying here we are, the best of the best this— and saying here we are, the best of the best. this was _ and saying here we are, the best of the best. this was a _ and saying here we are, the best of the best. this was a year— and saying here we are, the best of the best. this was a year with - and saying here we are, the best of the best. this was a year with so i the best. this was a year with so many— the best. this was a year with so many artides— the best. this was a year with so many articles saying _ the best. this was a year with so many articles saying the - the best. this was a year with so many articles saying the bad - the best. this was a year with sol many articles saying the bad guys are winning — many articles saying the bad guys are winning. when— many articles saying the bad guys are winning. when president- many articles saying the bad guys. are winning. when president biden was sworn — are winning. when president biden was sworn in. _ are winning. when president biden was sworn in, there _ are winning. when president biden was sworn in, there was— are winning. when president biden was sworn in, there was this - was sworn in, there was this undisguised _ was sworn in, there was this undisguised glee _ was sworn in, there was this undisguised glee in - was sworn in, there was thisi undisguised glee in european

capitals _ undisguised glee in european capitals. america _ undisguised glee in european capitals. america is- undisguised glee in european capitals. america is back. - undisguised glee in european| capitals. america is back. not undisguised glee in european - capitals. america is back. notjust of the _ capitals. america is back. notjust of the country. _ capitals. america is back. notjust of the country, but _ capitals. america is back. notjust of the country, but there - capitals. america is back. notjust of the country, but there is - capitals. america is back. notjust of the country, but there is this i of the country, but there is this phrase — of the country, but there is this phrase about _ of the country, but there is this phrase about the _ of the country, but there is this phrase about the rules - of the country, but there is this phrase about the rules —based| phrase about the rules —based international— phrase about the rules —based international system. - phrase about the rules —based international system. americai phrase about the rules —based - international system. america would be working _ international system. america would be working with _ international system. america would be working with its _ international system. america would be working with its nato _ international system. america would be working with its nato partners. i be working with its nato partners. you wouldn't _ be working with its nato partners. you wouldn't have _ be working with its nato partners. you wouldn't have this _ be working with its nato partners. you wouldn't have this 2014 - be working with its nato partners. . you wouldn't have this 2014 crimea, etc, but _ you wouldn't have this 2014 crimea, etc, but joe — you wouldn't have this 2014 crimea, etc, butjoe biden— you wouldn't have this 2014 crimea, etc, butjoe biden has _ you wouldn't have this 2014 crimea, etc, butjoe biden has had _ you wouldn't have this 2014 crimea, etc, butjoe biden has had trouble . etc, butjoe biden has had trouble at home — etc, butjoe biden has had trouble at home the _ etc, butjoe biden has had trouble at home. the it— etc, butjoe biden has had trouble at home. the it wasn't- etc, butjoe biden has had trouble at home. the it wasn't lost- etc, butjoe biden has had trouble at home. the it wasn't lost on| at home. the it wasn't lost on the russians _ at home. the it wasn't lost on the russians. "there _ at home. the it wasn't lost on the russians. "there you - at home. the it wasn't lost on the russians. "there you go, - the russians. "there you go, ukraine, _ the russians. "there you go, ukraine, see _ the russians. "there you go, ukraine, see how— the russians. "there you go, ukraine, see how america i the russians. "there you go, i ukraine, see how america left the russians. "there you go, - ukraine, see how america left on its allies?" _ ukraine, see how america left on its allies?" so. — ukraine, see how america left on its allies?" so. it— ukraine, see how america left on its allies?" so, it is _ ukraine, see how america left on its allies?" so, it is a _ ukraine, see how america left on its allies?" so, it is a challenge. - ukraine, see how america left on its allies?" so, it is a challenge. both. allies?" so, it is a challenge. both sides— allies?" so, it is a challenge. both sides are — allies?" so, it is a challenge. both sides are being _ allies?" so, it is a challenge. both sides are being challenged, - allies?" so, it is a challenge. both sides are being challenged, and i allies?" so, it is a challenge. both. sides are being challenged, and not doing very— sides are being challenged, and not doing very wet _ sides are being challenged, and not doing very well. the _ sides are being challenged, and not doing very well-— doing very well. the year ends with his very ambition _ doing very well. the year ends with his very ambition 's _ doing very well. the year ends with his very ambition 's plans _ doing very well. the year ends with his very ambition 's plans for - his very ambition �*s plans for rebuilding building back better. the post—covid recovery. it is a year in

which he has talked a lot about what he talked about during the campaign. he's an insider, but this is why an insider is good for the united states. what's your assessment? certainly, the public assessment of joe biden's presidency, which lets remember is less than a year old. he came— remember is less than a year old. he came in— remember is less than a year old. he came in on— remember is less than a year old. he came in on the waves of great hopes by those _ came in on the waves of great hopes by those who voted him in, and many of those _ by those who voted him in, and many of those hopes have been frustrated. a lot of those hopes have been frustrated. a tot was _ of those hopes have been frustrated. a lot was made of the fact that he had a _ a lot was made of the fact that he had a very— a lot was made of the fact that he had a very long tenure in the senate, _ had a very long tenure in the senate, and he knows many of the people _ senate, and he knows many of the people on — senate, and he knows many of the people on capitol hill. there was hobe _ people on capitol hill. there was hope that— people on capitol hill. there was hope that he could bring that consensus, not some heads together and get _ consensus, not some heads together and get major legislation passed. unfortunately, the bitterness from last november, and even the continuing refusal of many republicans to acknowledge the

legitimacy of his election continues to poison— legitimacy of his election continues to poison the atmosphere there and butverise _ to poison the atmosphere there and pulverise public opinion. i think there _ pulverise public opinion. i think there is— pulverise public opinion. i think there is now our recognition that there _ there is now our recognition that there is— there is now our recognition that there is virtually no republican lawmaker who is willing to work with the democrats. to be fair, when trump _ the democrats. to be fair, when trump was — the democrats. to be fair, when trump was president, that could also be said _ trump was president, that could also be said of— trump was president, that could also be said of the democratic caucus. they— be said of the democratic caucus. they were — be said of the democratic caucus. they were also united. although they did come _ they were also united. although they did come together to pass some big coronavirus — did come together to pass some big coronavirus packages. it wasn't all destruction— coronavirus packages. it wasn't all destruction all the time. but we're also seeing that unfortunately for biden, _ also seeing that unfortunately for biden, some of the biggest problems within— biden, some of the biggest problems within his _ biden, some of the biggest problems within his own party. it's notjust across the — within his own party. it's notjust across the aisle. who of us, maybe a year ago. _ across the aisle. who of us, maybe a yearago, knew across the aisle. who of us, maybe a year ago, knew the across the aisle. who of us, maybe a yearago, knew the name across the aisle. who of us, maybe a year ago, knew the name joe manchin? now we _ year ago, knew the name joe manchin? now we have _ year ago, knew the name joe manchin? now we have this senator from the state _ now we have this senator from the state of _ now we have this senator from the state of west virginia who seems almost _ state of west virginia who seems almost single—handedly to be holding up almost single—handedly to be holding up this— almost single—handedly to be holding up this bill back better bill. he is the senator from a state with less

than 2 _ the senator from a state with less than 2 million people, and yet his vote ways — than 2 million people, and yet his vote ways as much as a senator from my own _ vote ways as much as a senator from my own state, california, home to 40 million _ my own state, california, home to 40 million people. when you have a senate _ million people. when you have a senate balance on a knife edge between — senate balance on a knife edge between the parties the weight is individual lawmakers like joe manchin have incredible clout. just to pick— manchin have incredible clout. just to pick up— manchin have incredible clout. just to pick up leslie on those words you use, the _ to pick up leslie on those words you use, the democratic challenge. that actually— use, the democratic challenge. that actually applies within the us on a micro _ actually applies within the us on a micro level and notjust on actually applies within the us on a micro level and not just on the world stage between democracies and autocracies. you have one senator who is— autocracies. you have one senator who is holding up a major legislation. you also have redistricting going on. but seems to be restricting the vote. a democratic deficit is notjust something that we're seeing across the board _ something that we're seeing across the board and globally, but perhaps within— the board and globally, but perhaps within our— the board and globally, but perhaps within our own societies. it has seemed as _ within our own societies. it has seemed as if — within our own societies. it has seemed as if demography - within our own societies. it has seemed as if demography hasl within our own societies. it has - seemed as if demography has been within our own societies. it i—s seemed as if demography has been on the defensive. —— democracy. things

have looked promising that looked less promising now. sue don in africa and myanmar in particular. —— sudan. africa and myanmar in particular. -- sudan. ., . . sudan. the more we learn about me and worse it — sudan. the more we learn about me and worse it appears. _ sudan. the more we learn about me and worse it appears. but _ sudan. the more we learn about me and worse it appears. but i - sudan. the more we learn about me and worse it appears. but i would i and worse it appears. but i would also cite some other cases such as india. often held up as a prime example of asian democracy, where under this particular government, freedoms have been very much in retreat over the past year. there's a survey every year in progress in democracies. they also try to assess the quality against criteria such as freedom of speech, freedom of the

for us, effectiveness of rule of law. the other pressing thing is not only have the numbers of democracies declined slightly, but in 45 countries, the quality of democracy has diminished. i think it is very much related to some of the topics we've been touching on. henry's account of the struggles ofjoe biden. the us has been the pillar of this sense of global democracy. upholding democracy as the best form of government. what's happening at the moment is partly is very strong challenge from china, which is usually invested in misinformation and disinformation, and challenging the image of democracy as an effective vehicle for distributing benefit. as the party would claim to

its own performance. that's one challenge which has found some receptive ground in western democracies where people are feeling frustrated and buffeted by any number of forces. they feel their politicians are not providing an effective remedy. that sense that democracy is resilient and delivers the best for their people is under extremely active challenge. autocracies are taking advantage of this. the idea that xinjiang and hong kong can happen without being effectively challenged, china and the united nations can make great headway in rewriting the rules. what's considered acceptable for human rights and mobilise the votes around it. these are pretty important shifts which affect both quantity and quality of democracy globally. i think the democratic

systems really need reform. henry mentioned the skewing of representation in the united states. that's a party of population trend which is going to get worse and worse. the percentage of voters who actually elect a government. that has been pretty questionable! yet these systems are now so locked in extremist confrontation that the idea that they can reform themselves to give a better deal to voters, that seems pretty challenging. i think middle ground is really under attack everywhere. so his democratic legitimacy. attack everywhere. so his democratic lecitima . ., ~ attack everywhere. so his democratic lecitima . . ,, �*, ., ., legitimacy. thank you. let's move on to our last section. _ legitimacy. thank you. let's move on to our last section. since _ legitimacy. thank you. let's move on to our last section. since isabel- to our last section. since isabel mentioned to the united kingdom, let's focus a little more closely to home. borisjohnson's year has ended badly. do you want to talk about the

features that have opened up, not just in his party, but arguably has basic governing philosophy, the idea of leveling up and the uk becoming a more homogenous entity after years in which distinctiveness was regarded as something to encourage. isabel also mentioned this in terms of the _ isabel also mentioned this in terms of the fact— isabel also mentioned this in terms of the fact that the coronavirus has thrown _ of the fact that the coronavirus has thrown everything for a loop, and worse _ thrown everything for a loop, and worse than — thrown everything for a loop, and worse than any qualities around the world _ worse than any qualities around the world. including here in britain. it goes _ world. including here in britain. it goes against precisely that leveling up goes against precisely that leveling up agenda that boris johnson goes against precisely that leveling up agenda that borisjohnson made much _ up agenda that borisjohnson made much of— up agenda that borisjohnson made much of when he was elected. that agenda _ much of when he was elected. that agenda is _ much of when he was elected. that agenda is now sort of under threats because _ agenda is now sort of under threats because of— agenda is now sort of under threats because of the money that it requires, _ because of the money that it requires, and we have a chancellor who is— requires, and we have a chancellor who is perhaps a bit stricter with the strings— who is perhaps a bit stricter with the strings and then borisjohnson woutd _ the strings and then borisjohnson would like, and there is squabbling

within— would like, and there is squabbling within that on cabinet. boris johnson _ within that on cabinet. boris johnson likes to protect a sunny air of optimism, but what he's not been known _ of optimism, but what he's not been known for— of optimism, but what he's not been known for necessarily is decisiveness. that's what is needed in a time _ decisiveness. that's what is needed in a time like this, where really 'ust in a time like this, where really just tough— in a time like this, where really just tough decisions need to be made — just tough decisions need to be made. that would actually make britain _ made. that would actually make britain a — made. that would actually make britain a fairer society, bring more wealth— britain a fairer society, bring more wealth to — britain a fairer society, bring more wealth to parts of the country that have gone — wealth to parts of the country that have gone without for a very long time _ have gone without for a very long time and — have gone without for a very long time and just see a much more justice — time and just see a much more justice system across the board. but i am justice system across the board. but i am struck— justice system across the board. but i am struck that here we are one year— i am struck that here we are one year tater, — i am struck that here we are one year later, and i feel like it's deia — year later, and i feel like it's deia vu — year later, and i feel like it's deja vu because exactly a year ago, we were in— deja vu because exactly a year ago, we were in a — deja vu because exactly a year ago, we were in a situation where britain was being _ we were in a situation where britain was being shunned by other countries because _ was being shunned by other countries because of— was being shunned by other countries because of a variant that was galloping through. now it's the 0micron — galloping through. now it's the omicron variant and france and germany— omicron variant and france and germany are worried about british travetters — germany are worried about british travellers. you had britain also on the brink— travellers. you had britain also on the brink of— travellers. you had britain also on the brink of brexit. the idea that it could — the brink of brexit. the idea that it could be — the brink of brexit. the idea that it could be locks in conflict. boris johnson —

it could be locks in conflict. boris johnson is — it could be locks in conflict. boris johnson is still... still has a government that is in conflict with the elk _ government that is in conflict with the elk i— government that is in conflict with the eu. ithink government that is in conflict with the eu. i think there's been a lot of stibbing — the eu. i think there's been a lot of slipping back. the eu. i think there's been a lot of slipping back-— of slipping back. let's talk about the eu and _ of slipping back. let's talk about the eu and the _ of slipping back. let's talk about the eu and the uk. _ of slipping back. let's talk about the eu and the uk. the - of slipping back. let's talk about the eu and the uk. the year - of slipping back. let's talk about | the eu and the uk. the year ends with the reshaping of our relationship. finalising the divorce. do you think there has been progress this year? you divorce. do you think there has been progress this year?— divorce. do you think there has been progress this year? you use the word resha - in . progress this year? you use the word reshaping- i— progress this year? you use the word reshaping. i think— progress this year? you use the word reshaping. i think any _ progress this year? you use the word reshaping. i think any kind _ progress this year? you use the word reshaping. i think any kind of - progress this year? you use the word reshaping. i think any kind of shape l reshaping. i think any kind of shape needs to be coherent. but i think we've seen the study is slide in relations. and i think, no doubt, there are faults on both sides, but there are faults on both sides, but the uk insisted on the hardest brexit. and then continues to complain about the consequences. i know it's what politicians do, especially when they find themselves

having to share pain rather than pleasure around the electorate or sectors of the economy. the questions of who is going to pay for these policies, will it be agricultural, will be education? all of the sectors are screaming now. culture also screaming. they're all pointing out the difficulties... they're suffering the consequences of brexit. without there being any visible payoff beyond a series of trade deals that reflect a minuscule amount of the british economy, and we have been in any way, before brexit. the difficulty the government has in trying to square this un 's wearable circle is taking responsibility for what it had promised. if you take the analogy of

divorce, there was going to be a wonderful new lover who was going to take britain to only life, and somehow, that new love disappeared. the new life disappeared. so, it'll be difficult for any politician to present pain as a positive without actually having very many positives up actually having very many positives up their sleeves. so, actually having very many positives up theirsleeves. so, i actually having very many positives up their sleeves. so, i am actually having very many positives up their sleeves. so, lam not actually having very many positives up their sleeves. so, i am not sure that ireland is the own... it's certainly not the only difficulty we face, but it is a pretty dangerous and un 's wearable circle. the year has ended with the departure of lord frost, who has resulted in a catastrophic decline in relations. that's affecting all kinds of things, including things like the participation in horizon. the science programme, its collaborative

and open to non—eu countries, but the eu suspended british person to baseman because of the toxic state of relations —— participation. i would hope as the year closes, there might be some serious reflection on the real life consequences of the policies pursued to date. perhaps this is an opportunity to get some more constructive conversation on the table. , . . more constructive conversation on the table. , , . ., . , the table. just reflect on what this ear has the table. just reflect on what this year has meant — the table. just reflect on what this year has meant from _ the table. just reflect on what this year has meant from the - the table. just reflect on what this| year has meant from the european union because it had a rather bumpy experience, but at least it seems to have established a programme for recovery seems insensitive to move up recovery seems insensitive to move up the idea of one europe forward a bit at a time when it had looked rather under challenge. yes. bit at a time when it had looked rather under challenge. yes, but it is the european _ rather under challenge. yes, but it is the european union. _ rather under challenge. yes, but it is the european union. it- rather under challenge. yes, but it is the european union. it is- rather under challenge. yes, but it is the european union. it is the - is the european union. it is the responsibility _ is the european union. it is the responsibility. they're - is the european union. it is the responsibility. they're taking .

is the european union. it is the . responsibility. they're taking very different — responsibility. they're taking very different responses _ responsibility. they're taking very different responses mother- responsibility. they're taking very different responses mother to- different responses mother to tockdown~ _ different responses mother to lockdown. of _ different responses mother to lockdown. of course, - different responses mother to lockdown. of course, there i different responses mother to lockdown. of course, there is| different responses mother to. lockdown. of course, there is a different responses mother to- lockdown. of course, there is a big covid _ lockdown. of course, there is a big covid recovery _ lockdown. of course, there is a big covid recovery plan, _ lockdown. of course, there is a big covid recovery plan, but _ lockdown. of course, there is a big covid recovery plan, but billions. covid recovery plan, but billions are held — covid recovery plan, but billions are held up _ covid recovery plan, but billions are held up because _ covid recovery plan, but billions are held up because of- covid recovery plan, but billions are held up because of their- are held up because of their systematic— are held up because of their systematic violation- are held up because of their systematic violation of - are held up because of their- systematic violation of whatever is regarded _ systematic violation of whatever is regarded as — systematic violation of whatever is regarded as european _ systematic violation of whatever is regarded as european values. - systematic violation of whatever is i regarded as european values. they're saying. _ regarded as european values. they're saying. sorry, — regarded as european values. they're saying. sorry, we _ regarded as european values. they're saying, sorry, we will— regarded as european values. they're saying, sorry, we will still— regarded as european values. they're saying, sorry, we will still plough - saying, sorry, we will still plough on with— saying, sorry, we will still plough on with our— saying, sorry, we will still plough on with our rule. _ saying, sorry, we will still plough on with our rule. same _ saying, sorry, we will still plough on with our rule. same in - saying, sorry, we will still plough| on with our rule. same in poland. i'm going— on with our rule. same in poland. i'm going to— on with our rule. same in poland. i'm going to say— on with our rule. same in poland. i'm going to say sorry _ on with our rule. same in poland. i'm going to say sorry as - on with our rule. same in poland. i'm going to say sorry as well, - i'm going to say sorry as well, because we are out of time and almost out of the year. henry, isabel and lyse doucet, thank you very much. we will be back at the turn of the year and have new guest with us to talk about the year to come. enjoy the rest of the festive break. goodbye.

hello, not everyone wants a white christmas, believe it or not. some would preferjust some crisp sunshine. won't be much this weekend, but northern scotland has seen some today and will again for christmas day. for this away from weather fronts coming in from the southwest, mild atlantic air. it is the case throughout the christmas weekend that the further southwest you are, the milder the weather will be. the further northeast you are, even though you may well see some sunshine, it will feel coldest here. as we get on into tonight, it's a clear skies which become more widespread across scotland which will deliver the lowest temperatures. a hard frost setting in the highlands especially. as we look to the rest of the uk, its mist and fog and outbreaks of rain, but

temperatures will be staying above freezing. could see temperatures getting close to freezing for a touch of frost. for christmas day, scotland, after that cold start seeing some sunshine, northern ireland, england and wales here with cloud. turning wet in northern ireland. we could see snow developing later in the day. it is mild in the far southwest and rather chilly elsewhere. it's coldest in scotland, despite the sunshine. on through saturday night, christmas day night, this wet weather pushes north and meets colder air. northern england in southern scotland especially to higher ground, we get snow out of that. may start blowing around in strong winds because this is where we bought the coldest weather going into boxing day. now that snow may be relatively low as we start off on boxing day. what's

left of this system delivering some mostly hill snow as it pushes further north across scotland during boxing day, behind it, plenty of cloud around. brighter skies where it is still mild, and elsewhere, it's still on the chilly side. as a go through the week ahead, there will be some significant changes on the way. a battle between mild and cold air, some spots will become very mild, but also light and windy.

this is bbc news, with the headlines... new records for covid in the uk — the highest number of daily cases since the pandemic began, and an estimated 1.7 million people are reported to have had the virus on a single day last week. millions around the world face travel disruption over christmas, as the surge in omicron cases sees more than 2,000 flights cancelled globally due to staff shortages. at least 39 people are killed after a packed ferry caught fire in southern bangladesh. the queen is expected to give a very personal christmas message this year, her first since the death of her husband prince philip. and pope francis delivers

the traditional christmas eve mass from st peter's basilica.