good morning. welcome to breakfast with ben thompson and katherine downes. our headlines today... guilty — ghislaine maxwell is convicted of recruiting and trafficking young girls to be sexually abused by the late american billionairejeffrey epstein. she faces the rest of her life in prison. the us attorney praises the women who came forward to give evidence against maxwell. their courage and willingness to face their abuser made today's result in this case possible. we'll look at what happens now for prince andrew, who is named in a lawsuit brought by a woman who says she was groomed by maxwell and abused by the prince — he denies the allegations.

hospitals are asked to find 4,000 extra emergency beds in england to deal with a potential wave of 0micron patients as admissions hit the highest levels since march. and a government promise has been made to get 8 million lateral flow test kits into pharmacies by tomorrow after reports of shortages. is the premier league title race over already? victory over brentford puts manchester city eight points clear at the top as one of their biggest rivals falters. it may be the end of december but at six o'clock this morning it is 15 degrees in some parts of the country. exceptionally mild weather continues and will continue to see the year out. the full forecast here on breakfast. it's thursday, the 30th of december. our main story. ghislaine maxwell has been found guilty of grooming and trafficking underage girls for the convicted paedophilejeffrey epstein.

jurors found her guilty of five of the six charges she faced. it means she could spend the rest of her life behind bars. aleem maqbool reports. court sketches show the moment ghislaine maxwell's victims have waited decades for. after five days of deliberation, jurors decided she was guilty on five counts linked to the sexual abuse of teenagers. and it was four of her victims who helped put her behind bars. the court heard how ghislaine maxwell gained their trust. during their emotional testimony, they told the jury how she instructed them to give the latejeffrey epstein massages that turned sexual. all but one testified anonymously, using a pseudonym or just their first name. jane said maxwell participated in her encounters with epstein. "i was terrified and felt gross and ashamed. when you're14, you have no idea what's going on," she said. kate said, after meeting epstein, maxwell asked her if she had fun, saying she was such a good girl and one of his favorites.

and annie farmer, the only victim who publicly identified herself, said ghislaine maxwell gave her an unsolicited massage. she said, "i so badly wanted to get off the table and have the massage be done." she's now said she's relieved at the verdict and that it shows even those with great power and privilege will be held accountable when they sexually abuse the young. defence lawyers attacked the accusers�* memories and motives, but that ultimately didn't help ghilsaine maxwell. we firmly believe in ghislaine's innocence. obviously, we are very disappointed with the verdict. we have already started working on the appeal and we are confident that she will be vindicated. police raids of epstein�*s homes showed the duo's jet—setting luxurious lifestyle. in this photo, the pair are seen relaxing at the queen's balmoral residence when prince andrew reportedly invited the couple to the estate.

the staggering wealth on display from their opulent properties only highlighted how they used their power together over the years to lure, intimidate and silence everyone around them. house rules, including this manual, told staff to be deaf, dumb and blind, forbidding them from making eye contact with epstein. this is a victory, notjust for the victims that testified, this should be seen as a victory for all victims of miss maxwell and mr epstein, and a victory, as you've heard before, on behalf of all abuse victims — men, women, boys, girls everywhere that were afraid to come out and speak their truth. and now they know that if they do that people will listen and justice can be served. ghisliane maxwell will be sentenced at a later date. but it seems extremely likely that she'll spend the rest of her life behind bars. a final fall from grace for the british former socialite,

who a jury here has decided wasn't just a bystander to the crimes ofjeffrey epstein, but was herself a predator and an active participant in the sexual abuse of teenagers. aleem maqbool, bbc news in new york. we're joined now from los angeles by lisa bloom, who is a lawyer representing some ofjeffrey epstein�*s accusers. welcome to bbc breakfast. it is good to have you with us. there is to build your reaction to the eight victims ofjeffrey epstein, we were all moved to tears when the verdict came down after decades of waiting forjustice. came down after decades of waiting for “ustice. . , . , forjustice. finally it has happened- _ forjustice. finally it has happened- a _ forjustice. finally it has happened. a lot - forjustice. finally it has happened. a lot of - forjustice. finally it has happened. a lot of us i forjustice. finally it has l happened. a lot of us still forjustice. finally it has - happened. a lot of us still cannot believe it. figs happened. a lot of us still cannot believe it. �* , , ., happened. a lot of us still cannot believe it. a believe it. as you said you represent _ believe it. as you said you represent eight _ believe it. as you said you represent eight of - believe it. as you said you represent eight of jeffreyl believe it. as you said you - represent eight of jeffrey epstein's represent eight ofjeffrey epstein's accuses. talk to me about the reaction from them. you have talked about surprised full less then a

little bit on what they will be thinking this morning. fine little bit on what they will be thinking this morning. one of my clients has _ thinking this morning. one of my clients has said _ thinking this morning. one of my clients has said she _ thinking this morning. one of my clients has said she has - thinking this morning. one of my clients has said she has been - thinking this morning. one of my l clients has said she has been living in a metaphorical prison all these years with the psychological fallout of the abuse, the deep shame, embarrassment and trauma and now ghislaine maxwell will experience a real prison where she will have a lot of time to think about the profound damage she has caused to so many girls and young women. the abuse took _ many girls and young women. the abuse took place in the 1990s. it has taken a very long time for this to reach court and for a verdict to be reached as it has in the last 24—hour is. why has it taken so long? 24-hour is. why has it taken so lona ? ., . ., 24-hour is. why has it taken so lonu? ., . ., , long? police did not believe the first accuser _ long? police did not believe the first accuser who _ long? police did not believe the first accuser who went - long? police did not believe the first accuser who went to - long? police did not believe the first accuser who went to them | long? police did not believe the. first accuser who went to them in 1996. she testified at the trial and said she was being abused byjeffrey epstein. they did not listen to the girls. 0ther epstein. they did not listen to the girls. other girls came forward in the 19905 as well. 0ther

girls. other girls came forward in the 19905 as well. other girls were not believed in it took all of this time. there were changes in the law and it took the full accu5e5 and be me too movement. it took law enforcement and prosecutors to be advocates for the victim 5aid enforcement and prosecutors to be advocates for the victim said they could finally be believed and get justice. it could finally be believed and get 'ustice. ., ., ~' could finally be believed and get 'ustice. ., ., , ., justice. it took enormous courage from accuses _ justice. it took enormous courage from accuses to _ justice. it took enormous courage from accuses to come _ justice. it took enormous courage from accuses to come forward - justice. it took enormous courage | from accuses to come forward and from accu5e5 to come forward and give evidence, something you will be all too aware of the clients you represent. all too aware of the clients you represent-_ all too aware of the clients you reresent. , ., ., , ., represent. yes, i cannot overstate how profoundly — represent. yes, i cannot overstate how profoundly courageous - represent. yes, i cannot overstate how profoundly courageous it - represent. yes, i cannot overstate how profoundly courageous it is i represent. yes, i cannot overstate how profoundly courageous it is to walk into a court room full of strangers and to open up the most horrific and humiliating parts of your life and speak about it and then to be cross—examined about it and have it all picked apart by paid defence attorneys who say your memory is wrong, you are lying or doing it for money. nobody gets any money out of a criminal conviction.

that is the argument that was made. the four women stood up to it, answered questions and got through it. they were heroes to millions of people worldwide today. iunions it. they were heroes to millions of people worldwide today. were you surrised people worldwide today. were you surprised by _ people worldwide today. were you surprised by some _ people worldwide today. were you surprised by some other— people worldwide today. were you | surprised by some other testimony people worldwide today. were you i surprised by some other testimony in court? some of it was graphic and we got intimate details about the money that was spent, the lifestyle they were living. that was all laid bare in court, wasn't it? i were living. that was all laid bare in court, wasn't it?— in court, wasn't it? i was surprised- _ in court, wasn't it? i was surprised. i— in court, wasn't it? i was surprised. i knew- in court, wasn't it? i was surprised. i knew jeffrey| in court, wasn't it? i was- surprised. i knew jeffrey epstein surprised. i knewjeffrey epstein was wealthy but the astonishing levels of wealth, the caribbean island led 10,000 acre estate with a ranch in mexico, the $50 million home in new york city. the very lavish home in paris. three planes, including a jet two pilots on staff all the time. if you can imagine being 1a years old guy from an underprivileged home, walking into that kind of life and hearing names

job like donald trump and prince andrew and the pope and seeing photos of these very famous people around, of course they were very intimidated and that is why many of them did not tell for many, many years. them did not tell for many, many ears. ., , , . ., years. how significant is it? what difference could _ years. how significant is it? what difference could this _ years. how significant is it? what difference could this make - difference could this make encouraging other people in similar situations in other cases to now come forward knowing thatjustice can and will be done? i come forward knowing that 'ustice can and will be done? i recommend victims of sexual _ can and will be done? i recommend victims of sexual abuse, _ can and will be done? i recommend victims of sexual abuse, efforts - can and will be done? i recommend victims of sexual abuse, efforts are | victims of sexual abuse, efforts are being redoubled. they feeljustice can happen is that it gives hope and inspiration. i think that has probably happened to a lot of victims over the world who are hearing about the verdict. let’s hearing about the verdict. let's hearing about the verdict. let's hear about _ hearing about the verdict. let's hear about the _ hearing about the verdict. let's hear about the case _ hearing about the verdict. let's hear about the case itself. - hearing about the verdict. let's hear about the case itself. a i hearing about the verdict. let's hear about the case itself. a long time to get to court and then there was a lot of evidence presented in court. where you surprised at how quickly the jury was able to reach

this verdict? it quickly the jury was able to reach this verdict?— this verdict? it did not feel ruickl this verdict? it did not feel quickly to _ this verdict? it did not feel quickly to those _ this verdict? it did not feel quickly to those of - this verdict? it did not feel quickly to those of us - this verdict? it did not feel- quickly to those of us following it. it was all last week and up to wednesday of this week. the jury asked a lot of questions, asking to review almost all the witness testimony and transcripts. they asked for highlighters of different colours and post—it notes and they could presumably put together some kind of chart in the jury room to map everything. they took the job very seriously and took their time and came to a correct result. $5 very seriously and took their time and came to a correct result. as for ghislaine maxwell, _ and came to a correct result. as for ghislaine maxwell, we _ and came to a correct result. as for ghislaine maxwell, we are - and came to a correct result. as for| ghislaine maxwell, we are expecting an appeal from ghislaine maxwell, we are expecting an appealfrom her ghislaine maxwell, we are expecting an appeal from her legal team. ghislaine maxwell, we are expecting an appealfrom her legal team. we know the clients you represent, not specifically involved in this case but they are bringing accusations againstjeffrey epstein. bring but they are bringing accusations against jeffrey epstein.— but they are bringing accusations against jeffrey epstein. bring us up to date on that _ against jeffrey epstein. bring us up to date on that case. _ against jeffrey epstein. bring us up to date on that case. i _ against jeffrey epstein. bring us up to date on that case. i have - to date on that case. i have prevailed on behalf of all eight of myjeffrey epstein accuses. we won all eight cases and got significant

financial rewards for them. for ghislaine maxwell in her criminal case, it is not over. her team cantor bravely about the appeal. —— can talk. the defence had asked to sever, split off some of the other charges against ghislaine maxwell for perjury and that was granted. now there will be a second trial against apple perjury, false statement she made under oath in a prior civil case. i expect that to take case into an —— take place in 2022. take case into an -- take place in 2022. ., ., ~ ., 2022. good to talk to you. the la er 2022. good to talk to you. the lawyer representing _ 2022. good to talk to you. the lawyer representing jeffrey - 2022. good to talk to you. the - lawyer representing jeffrey epstein lawyer representing jeffrey epstein accuses joining lawyer representing jeffrey epstein accusesjoining us lawyer representing jeffrey epstein accuses joining us from lawyer representing jeffrey epstein accusesjoining us from la lawyer representing jeffrey epstein accuses joining us from la this morning. thank you. 0ur correspondent nomia iqbaljoins us now from new york. nomia, how significant is this verdict? it is hugely significant. ghislaine

maxwell had been under suspicion for more than a decade has had her associate, jeffrey epstein. it is hugely significant for the accuses. the trial itself is based on the test many of four women but there are many women who have come out to talk about their experiences with epstein and maxwell and one of the most high—profile accusers is virginia. she was not part of the trial i did not give testimony in the trial but she has made accusations against ghislaine maxwell over the years which partially led to her arrest in 2020. she tweeted out a statement. i will read part of it. it is worth mentioning also with the

junior giuffre, she has brought out a civil case against prince andrew. —— virginia. she claimed he abused her when she was 17 years old. she was good friends —— as he was good friends with epstein and maxwell. the duke of york has always vehemently denied any allegations and told the bbc as well in an interview he does not recall meeting her. buckingham palace has emphatically backed him, saying any suggestions of improper acts with young girls is categorically untrue. she will be serving the civil case against him which is due to be heard in new york at some point next week. i believe it is january the 4th. also ghislaine maxwell is facing another trial. also ghislaine maxwell is facing anothertrial. it also ghislaine maxwell is facing another trial. it is not the end of the world just yet for ghislaine maxwell. the world 'ust yet for ghislaine maxwell. . ., the world 'ust yet for ghislaine maxwell. ., ,, , ., ., the world 'ust yet for ghislaine maxwell. . ~' , ., ., , the world 'ust yet for ghislaine maxwell. ., ,, , ., ., , , maxwell. thank you for bringing us

u . maxwell. thank you for bringing us up to date. more reaction - maxwell. thank you for bringing us up to date. more reaction to - maxwell. thank you for bringing us up to date. more reaction to that i up to date. more reaction to that through the rest of the programme. let's bring you up—to—date with some of the other stories. eight temporary covid hubs are to be set up at hospitals across england in preparation for a potential wave of 0micron admissions. nhs england says each site will have capacity for around 100 patients, and there are also plans to identify a further 4,000 beds if needed. meanwhile, almost eight—million test kits will be made available to pharmacies by tomorrow, amid warnings of patchy supplies following the changes to self—isolation rules. our health editor hugh pym reports. at the height of the pandemic in the spring of 2020, a network of so—called nightingale hospitals were set up in england at conference centres and other sites to cope with an anticipated surge of covid patients. scotland, wales and northern ireland made similar arrangements. but they were not extensively used with major hospitals preferring to retain their staff to look after covid patients,

rather than lend them to the nightingales. this time, temporary structures will be set up in the grounds of eight hospitals in england. the idea is it will be easier to deploy staff and provide access to diagnostics and emergency care. areas such as gyms and education centres could be converted or prefabricated units set up in car parks. they would accommodate patients close to being discharged and who would need minimal support, including those recovering from covid who are no longer infectious. the plan is to create 4,000 extra beds to add to the current total of about 100,000. the health secretary sajid javid said he hoped the said —— surge hubs would not have to be used but it was right to prepare for all scenarios and increase capacity. nhs england said it wasn't yet known how many of those who caught the virus would need hospital treatment but with rising infections it wasn't possible to wait to find out. the nhs was now on a war footing. all this comes at a time when nhs trusts are under pressure because of sickness absence. some staff said they can't

get pcr or lateral flow tests to get back to work and others have also reported shortages of testing capacity. health chiefs admit it's a problem but say they are addressing it. we do recognise there are some difficulties across the country, both in pharmacies and with home testing request. we do release and are continuing to release test slots for individuals and so they should just keep trying through the day. obviously, as the christmas period subsides, then the testing capacity should be more available to them. we do have supplies and we will be endeavouring to get those to the right places. the uk health security agency said almost 8 million lateral flow test kits would be supplied to pharmacies by new year's eve. people wanting pcr tests should keep checking the official website as more slots were being made available each day. hugh pym, bbc news.

now the weather with matt. good morning to you. am i right that it is going to get really warm over the next few days?— the next few days? that's right, es. end the next few days? that's right, yes- end of— the next few days? that's right, yes. end of december _ the next few days? that's right, yes. end of december we - the next few days? that's right, i yes. end of december we shouldn't see mild weather we are seeing a moment. fairly blustery as well. take a look at the temperatures. we should have daytime temperatures this time of year around seven, eight. we are nine to 15 celsius, even at six o'clock in the morning. with it some rain across the west of scotland western parts of england and wales especially with heavier bass here and there. the rain in scotland will clear away eastwards as we go through the day. brightening up the sunshine. sunshine in northern ireland and brightening up in the north of england for a time. 0utbreaks brightening up in the north of england for a time. outbreaks of rain later. patchy rain or drizzle

with a bitter brightness elsewhere. when is coming from the south—west could be gusty around the western coasts. —— the wind. still well above average for scotland and northern ireland where we will see brighter conditions. some breaks in the north of scotland. 0utbreaks brighter conditions. some breaks in the north of scotland. outbreaks of rain have become dominant in scotland and northern ireland. we could see wintry showers working their way eastwards. the mild night with the exception of the far north of scotland. in new year's eve we could see sunshine with outbreaks of rain and drizzle, heaviest in the morning. a fee breaks in the south. patchy rain in the west. —— athe breaks. these are the temperatures to see you 2022. not cold to start the year. to see you 2022. not cold to start the ear. ,, ., ., to see you 2022. not cold to start the ear. ,, . ., ~ ., ., the year. strange weather. more from ou later. i the year. strange weather. more from

you later- i do — the year. strange weather. more from you later. i do not— the year. strange weather. more from you later. i do not like _ the year. strange weather. more from you later. i do not like it. _ the year. strange weather. more from you later. i do not like it. it— you later. i do not like it. it feels like spring weather and it also feels like the end of the premier league season. we started off with this tight title race but manchester city have pulled clear of their rivals. pep guardiola is saying it is not over. they are really taking advantage of other sides' slip ups with chelsea only managing a draw at brighton, city beat brentford to move eight points clear at the top of the premier league table. 0ur sports correspondent andy swiss reports. so could it be another step towards another title? an evening when manchester city strengthened their grip, although it hardly seemed that way at first. as brentford piled on the early pressure, city scrambling off the line. this wasn't in the script, but moments later it was very much business as usual. the crispest of moves and a finish to match

from phil foden, city in front and proving once again just why they're top of the table. after the break, though, they couldn't quite find a second. kevin de bruyne hit the post. and even when aymeric laporte finally found the net in the closing minutes, var ruled it out for offside. still a 1—0 victory for city and it wasn't the only result that went their way. their closest rivals, chelsea, are now some eight points adrift after a dramatic night at stamford bridge. romelu lukaku put them ahead against brighton. so far, so good. but the visitors came roaring back. adam lallana went close before the break. after it, neil maupay went even closer. chance after chance for the visitors but that equalizer seemed just out of reach. until the first minute of stoppage time when the pressure finally paid off. and it's welbeck! danny welbeck sparking last—gasp delight for brighton. 1—1 the final score.

there's still a long way to go, of course, but could it be a telling blow to chelsea's title hopes? andy swiss, bbc news. arsenal manager mikel arteta will miss his side's match against manchester city on new year's day after testing positive for covid again. arteta first contracted the virus in march last year, prompting the shutdown of football at the start of the pandemic. he's now isolating but he's still expected to undertake media duties today, ahead of the game. and england's cricketers will be flying to sydney for the fourth ashes test without head coach chris silverwood. he's in isolation after one of his family tested positive for covid. they'll have to stay in melbourne for ten days. that's the seventh positive test in the touring party — three support staff and four family members have all contracted the virus. the match is due to start on january 5th.

and there's more covid news from the pdc world darts at alexandra palace, where a third high—profile player has been forced to withdraw — dave chisnall has joined three—time winner michael van gerwen and vincent van der voort in pulling out after a positive test. defending champion gerwyn price said he felt the tournament had been "devalued" with the loss of van gerwen. but price is still in contention — he's through to the quarter—finals, where he'll face michael smith, who came through one of the matches of the tournament so far. he and jonny clayton exchanged blows throughout, and they were level at 4 legs all in the deciding set. smith eventually emerging victorious in the tie—break. as well as playing darts, scotland's alan soutar is a full—time fireman and also trains guide dogs. he reached the last 16 with victory over the seventh seed jose de sousa in a thrilling match at alexandra palace, sealing his win with a 136 checkout. i love this time of year for the dance. you did not get enough sleep last night. we were hooked on the

darts. i did. that thriller was amazing, the time of year for it. everyone gets into it. stay up some cheese and chocolates and watch the darts. it is still christmas officially, technically. not in my house! it is gone. more time spent working from home and a desire for extra space has prompted lots of families to make the decision to move house. taunton in somerset has seen house prices grow faster than anywhere else in the uk this year. john maguire is there for us this morning. good morning tea year. quite a change in where people are choosing to live after the pandemic. brute change in where people are choosing to live after the pandemic.— to live after the pandemic. we have seen a lot of— to live after the pandemic. we have seen a lot of this _ to live after the pandemic. we have seen a lot of this over— to live after the pandemic. we have seen a lot of this over the _ to live after the pandemic. we have seen a lot of this over the last - to live after the pandemic. we have seen a lot of this over the last 18 i seen a lot of this over the last 18 months, to years where people have made in some cases a lifestyle decision to leave the big city and move to the dream location, whether it is on the coast, in the

countryside. get a bit more bang for your buck. that has been reflected in the halifax's figures. we are in taunton in somerset. the housing market is not quiet here. at 21% increase in house prices, above the uk average of 6%. in cash terms, around £55,000 by taking the average house to around 300,000 in taunton. good transport links, lots of good schools and very close to beautiful countryside as well. when we are talking about some of the house prices that have fallen. in london for example, it does not get into the top 20 hotspots, as they say. in fact, westminster in central london recorded the biggest fall we can talk to louise glanville from knight frank estate agents.

what is going on? what you have just what is going on? what you have 'ust said, we what is going on? what you have 'ust said. we have — what is going on? what you have 'ust said, we have seen i what is going on? what you have 'ust said, we have seen it i what is going on? what you have 'ust said, we have seen it on i what is going on? what you have 'ust said, we have seen it on the i what is going on? what you have just said, we have seen it on the ground. | said, we have seen it on the ground. over— said, we have seen it on the ground. over the _ said, we have seen it on the ground. over the last — said, we have seen it on the ground. over the last 18 months, it has been extraordinary, extraordinary to watch — extraordinary, extraordinary to watch and _ extraordinary, extraordinary to watch and see what has been happening. we usually get relocated moving _ happening. we usually get relocated moving from more urban markets, bigger— moving from more urban markets, bigger cities, wanting for a lifestyle change. we have seen a complete — lifestyle change. we have seen a complete surge on top of the normal relocated _ complete surge on top of the normal relocated looking to me. a lot of that has — relocated looking to me. a lot of that has been able to remote work and everything that has happened off the back— and everything that has happened off the back of the pandemic. so a sustained _ the back of the pandemic. so a sustained trend, _ the back of the pandemic. so a sustained trend, you _ the back of the pandemic. ’ir a. sustained trend, you think. absolutely. initially we were not quite _ absolutely. initially we were not quite sure what we would see coming out of _ quite sure what we would see coming out of the _ quite sure what we would see coming out of the first lockdown. we hit the ground running in may 2020 and it has— the ground running in may 2020 and it has been— the ground running in may 2020 and it has beenjust continuous ever since _ it has beenjust continuous ever since we — it has beenjust continuous ever since. we don't see it changing. 0ne since. we don't see it changing. one of the _

since. we don't see it changing. one of the reasons for that is demand and supply. unfortunately, there is not enough property out there. good news. he not enough property out there. good news- he was _ not enough property out there. good news. he was winners _ not enough property out there. (limp. news. he was winners and the losers? it is good lose. —— who are the winners? — it is good lose. —— who are the winners? it _ it is good lose. —— who are the winners? it is not good news for buyers — winners? it is not good news for buyers we _ winners? it is not good news for buyers. we like to operate and give a good _ buyers. we like to operate and give a good level of service. it is not a good _ a good level of service. it is not a good experience for buyers at the moment — good experience for buyers at the moment i— good experience for buyers at the moment. i would good experience for buyers at the moment. iwould recommend good experience for buyers at the moment. i would recommend and suggest _ moment. i would recommend and suggest they get themselves into a -ood suggest they get themselves into a good position to be able to have a fighting _ good position to be able to have a fighting chance of being able to secure — fighting chance of being able to secure the properties they want at the moment. we secure the properties they want at the moment-— the moment. we worry about first-time _ the moment. we worry about first-time buyers _ the moment. we worry about first-time buyers a _ the moment. we worry about first-time buyers a lot - the moment. we worry about first-time buyers a lot of i the moment. we worry about first-time buyers a lot of the | the moment. we worry about i first-time buyers a lot of the time. first—time buyers a lot of the time. it is tricky, very tricky out there, particularly — it is tricky, very tricky out there, particularly for first—time buyers and also — particularly for first—time buyers and also people who are stuck in chains. — and also people who are stuck in chains, moving from places like london — chains, moving from places like london and those areas, moving down to here _ london and those areas, moving down to here it— london and those areas, moving down to here it is— london and those areas, moving down to here. it is because of the live

sky -- _ to here. it is because of the live sky -- the — to here. it is because of the live sky —— the lifestyle, the escape to the country — sky -- the lifestyle, the escape to the country-— the country. quite a morning for ou. the country. quite a morning for you. interesting, _ the country. quite a morning for you. interesting, isn't— the country. quite a morning for you. interesting, isn't it? - the country. quite a morning for you. interesting, isn't it? very. you. interesting, isn't it? very interesting to see what we thought perhaps may have been a bit of a flash in the pan when people had that crisis during the first lockdown wanting a big lifestyle change, it does seem it is extending and continuing on. who change, it does seem it is extending and continuing on.— change, it does seem it is extending and continuing on. who knows where it will no? and continuing on. who knows where it will go? it — and continuing on. who knows where it will go? it might _ and continuing on. who knows where it will go? it might come _ and continuing on. who knows where it will go? it might come at - and continuing on. who knows where it will go? it might come at a - and continuing on. who knows where it will go? it might come at a price i it will go? it might come at a price from what you are telling us. thank you. time now to get the news, travel and weather where you are. you. and weather where you are. good morning from the news teams at bbc london and bbc south east almost a hundred terrorists are being considered for release from prison by the parole board including people who planned attacks in london and kent. one of the cases under review is nazam hussain, who plotted alongside london bridge terrorist usman khan.

a decision is also expected on whether to release jawad akbar, one of five men who wanted to bomb bluewater shopping centre in kent and the ministry of sound nightclub in london, in 200a. london fire brigade says the impact of covid on its staffing levels has reached a 'critical point�*. at the beginning of this week 15 percent of firefighters were self—isolating and not available to work. it's led to more than a third of fire engines being out of action in the capital over the christmas period. surrey police are appealing for witnesses, after a lorry�*s windscreen was damaged by objects thrown onto the m25 motorway. it's after reports young people were throwing large pieces of wood onto the motorway on tuesday afternoon, near the clacket lane services. dermatologists say they've seen a rise in skin complaints caused by the wearing of tight—fitting masks. it comes as the government has reintroduced compulsory face coverings. 0ne skin doctor working in east london has this advice. you don't want to be putting lots of

oily moisturisers on if you are tending to break out, so if you are getting acne that is underneath the mask, may be the moisturiser you are using is too heavy. either try without a moisturiser or if you must use a moisturiser, use an oil free moisturiser and try cleansing your skin. a bin strike's set to go ahead in eastbroune after a number of drivers voted for industrial action in a row over pay and conditions. walkouts are planned for tomorrow, as well as next friday and the following monday. eastbourne counciil say the strikes are wholly unnecessary and they'll keeping talking to union bosses. public health experts in brighton and hove are urging people to get their covid booster vaccinations, and enjoy a "jabby new year". more than 107,000 people in the city have had the booster with pre—booked appointments and walk—in sessions available every day this week. let's take a look at the weather now with kate kinsella.

it's an exceptionally mild starting temperature stayed in the mid teens overnight. a misty start for someone with south coast and cloudy elsewhere. you can't rule out a light shower and also breezy, with the south—westerly wind especially gusty along the channel coast but temperatures 15 a, may be 16 celsius and it will be another mild night as well. we still have the cloud over night and cannot rule out patchy, light rain but with drier spells it remains breezy overnight and as we head into friday morning you might hear a rumble of thunder and temperatures dropping between ten and 12 celsius, so staying in double figures. tomorrow, a drier day, sunny spells late and overnight on new year's eve it looks dry and mild. another mild one. i will be backjust before seven. hope to see you then.

hello, this is breakfast with ben thompson and katherine downes. we'll bring you all the latest news and sport at seven o'clock. now, the bbc�*s health editor hugh pym tells the story of the coronavirus pandemic across the year and its impact on the many different aspects of people's lives. hospitals under pressure. loud and clear — covid is serious. some of the shifts that i've had are the toughtest i've ever had. and the race to vaccinate the public. i got the letter yesterday, and i'm booked in today. i three, two, one! welcome back in! cheering. lockdown ends.

i can literally not stress how much i missed going out. but there's the threat of a new variant. there is a tidal wave of omicron coming. the year began with intensifying pressure on the nhs. covid infections were rising, and there was a worrying increase in hospital admissions. the second wave of the virus was going to prove more deadly than the first. with covid cases rising, the new school term began with confusion. some teachers and children stayed at home. there's 21 members of staff that have opted not come into school, because they would consider it to be an unsafe environment. in my school, that's led to nursery, year 3—4 not coming to school. the empty classrooms were a warning of what was coming. another lockdown announced in the uk's nations.

the government is, once again, instructing you to stay at home. primary schools, secondary schools, and colleges across england must move to remote provision from tomorrow. as cases continued to rise, so did the number of sick patients admitted to hospital. in mid—january, i visited croydon university hospital in south london. this is a&e — but not as you know it. all staff are in full protective equipment. they know that most patients coming in have either tested positive or have symptoms. how are you feeling now? 0h...it�*s the breath that's the problem, and the cough. can i have a little listen, is that all right? shubra is the consultant here. sit forward and take a nice, deep breath. and he's assessing hanifa,

who's just arrived in an ambulance. she's 42 — she tested positive a week before, and her condition steadily got worse. i felt i was dying. i've been healthy, have no illness, nothing. covid just struck me down, just like that. aftertreatment, hanifa began to recover. she was discharged from hospital soon afterwards. the sickest patients need to be in intensive care, and staff have to be on constant alert because patients can take a rapid turn for the worse. it's a very, very sudden thing, and you just have to respond and reassess. and that patient looks like whatever the problem was, we have sorted. staff have noticed that, compared to the first wave, the age of covid patients in intensive care is lower. for example, right here now,

there are two people in their 305 with no underlying health conditions. the chances of someone under a0 needing intensive care for coronavirus are much smaller than for those who are older. the number of younger patients may be more noticeable because cases have risen across all age groups. doctors are clear no one is safe. and i think, you know, for someone who says it's a myth or, you know, it won't affect me can come and see the 30—40—year—olds in the intensive care — with no guarantee that we're going to be able to get them out. and that's the bottom line, that's how serious it is. you've seen some in that age group dying, have you? yes. as patient numbers in hospitals rose, so too did the numbers dying. 0n 26january, the uk reached 100,000 deaths — people who didn't survive within 28 days of getting covid. today, we're using candles to represent those who died.

0ne light for every life lost. something really precious has been taken away from me, and it's really hard. this is a life that's gone, and the impact is huge. i i'm left now with a young family and no dad. my life is destroyed — everything is gone. by new year's eve, the death toll had reached 76,000. now it's taken just a few more weeks to get to 100,000. and this is not over yet. it's a loss that should never have happened. it should never have gotten to that scale. it's notjust100,000 people. it's100,000 people whose families are going to miss them _ for the rest of their lives. as the second wave moved north... ..more hospitals were feeling the pressure. i visited kingsmill

hospital, in mansfield. every day in intensive care is a daunting challenge for staff, as they strive to keep patients alive. some of the shifts i have had, are the toughest i've ever had. in particular, one night shift had last week was the worst i've had in 21 years of nursing. from experience, i can tell you that i'm seeing more sicker patients this time than i saw in the first wave. doctors are trained to deal with death, but nothing like this. 0uma has had to cope with the savage impact of covid both in hisjob and at home. my parents have got covid, my mother—in—law's icu at the moment. i have just lost some very dear family relatives of covid. so when you see these patients in the hospital, it just gives you that flashback, as well. but you've got to shut that down, and you've got to continue looking after your patients as best as you can. it'sjust so sad, you know?

because for every person that dies, |we know there's a family that's not| being able to do the normal things they would do for that _ loved one who's died. edith is a hospital chaplain. she has to face up to grief, most days — comforting the dying and their families, but also supporting staff who feel the losses intensely. whenever you've got lots of people dying on the ward, you know, - it comes at a huge cost to the staff, as well- as to the families. and, at london's royal free hospital, staff spoke openly of the mental strain on the front line. families are upset. we shed tears for our patients, we do. when we met shirley, she'd only started her nursing career a few months earlier. but already, she'd seen more deaths and bereavement than some who'd been nursing for many years. to protect her parents, she's moved out of the family home

and is living on her own. we don't have time, you know — if a patient dies, i have seven other patients to take care of. i have to cry and wipe my tears and go to my next patient and say, "hi, are you ready for your evening meds?" and be happy — because they won't know. but when you go home and there's silence, and there's no family, that's when it hits. when people die and when we can't actually make them better, i think the feeling is so awful and so overwhelming, and so devastating. claire is head chaplain at royal free london. her role involves visiting patients in the wards and comforting their families. and she supports staff, and understands the immense emotional strain on them. when you're in the middle of that trauma and seeing patients dying — and also in very traumatic circumstances, often alone — i think for staff, that's just incredibly heartbreaking.

and things that might happen once a year, or once in a while, are happening every day. hello, good morning! i've got your lunches. a different kind of support is offered by debbie. we are testing people's resilience to the nth degree. she's a psychologist working with intensive care staff. here, she organises an informal listening session. when everyone's not having time to rest and recover because it's been nonstop for us in intensive care. and it's a lot of- nightmares about work. you wake up in a cold sweat. and you can't get much sleep, because you've got to be at work in the next four hours. _ it has been probably one of the most challenging experiences of my career. i think we're very concerned about the years ahead. i don't think it's just about now and about staff retention. i think it's actually about how are people, emotionally,

going to come back from this? in particular, as you can see from young people, this has really scarred them. the best defence against the virus was vaccination. the race was on to getjabs in as many arms as possible — and that was a huge logistical exercise. some sports stadiums opened their doors. second doses for some... thank you for coming in today. ..while younger people were encouraged to get their firstjab. churches and cathedrals were also turned into vaccine hubs. but some concerns emerged about rare blood clots linked to the 0xford—astrazeneca vaccine. fergus walsh: business as usual in northeast london. headlines about blood clots didn't put people off getting

the astrazeneca vaccine. the thought of catching covid is at least more risky than having a blood clot. taking any medicine, there's always a side effect. so i wasn't really unduly concerned about having the jab. 79 rare blood clots have been identified out of 20 million doses of the astrazeneca vaccine. the link isn't proven — but in future, the under—305 will be offered a different vaccine. the government says there'll be enough pfiizer and moderna doses for 8.5 million 18—29—year—olds yet to be vaccinated. the message from ministers, one of reassurance. we know the roll—out�*s working. we know the safety system's working, and we're on track to meet the goal of offering to all adults by the end ofjuly. and the speed of the roll—out won't be affected by these decisions. so, you know, when you get the call, get the jab.

scientists tracking the epidemic in england say vaccines are weakening the link between cases and deaths. there are now far fewer fatalities per infection because so many of us are protected — a reminder why all this really matters. hugh pym: by the spring, infections were falling steadily. some hospitality venues were opening with seating outside. restrictions could be eased in gradual, cautious stages — with each uk nation setting out its own road map. we're setting out on what i hope and believe is a one—way road to freedom. and this journey is made possible by the pace of the vaccination programme. talk of lifting the lockdown, as if it's a flick—of—a—switch moment is misguided. the steps, when we take them will need to be careful, gradual, incremental and probably quite small to start with.

this is a significant i package of measures. | a series of steps forward in our| journey back towards normality. we will not be driven by our dates. we recognise that everyone will be looking for certainty, but we do not want to set potentially unachievable dates that will only disappoint. but, as things were improving here in the uk, the situation in india was getting much worse. a new variant, which became known as delta, was taking hold — and it was spreading much more quickly than previous variants. the impact was deadly. the front line. an emergency room in a covid hospital, just about standing under the weight of an unfolding disaster. to get past the shortage of beds, they've packed in stretchers, wheelchairs — as many as they can. but the first line of treatment

against covid—19 is oxygen. and they've almost run out. at this point, there was just one hour of supply left. the staff knows how many lives hang in the balance. but in the uk, the mood was very different. the lifting of restrictions continued. by the summer, nightclubs were allowed to open their doors once more. crowd: three, two, one! welcome back, everyone! for some, this is what freedom looks like — no social distancing, very few masks. # everybody�*s free to feel good... many nightclubs across england reopened at midnight, 16 months since they were shut

in the first lockdown. it's felt like a dream, like, we've all waited for this moment for a long time. i can literally not stress how much i've missed being able _ to go out and just dance, and have a life. - however, the delta variant was quickly spreading. infections began to rise again, as well as hospitalisations. there's been no summer let—up. and now, another covid surge is developing. king's college hospital in london, like many others, is treating more covid patients — and they're younger. one of them is henry, who's 28. he became ill a few days before he was due to have a first vaccine dose. i felt like i was dying. you feel your heads full of glass, you've got horrendous headache. youi’ eyes are sore. so every time you're breathing in, you're expecting to be able to breathe in so much more. you just can't, and there's nothing there to get back to it. so before the ambulance arrived, it was terrifying because you didn't know when your last breath

was going to be. in this covid ward, there's a range of different ages. 80% of the patients here have not had a first dose of the vaccine. of the rest, some have immune conditions — which might make the vaccines less effective. doctors here say the pressure is different this time round. in general, the patients are younger and tend not to be as sick as they did in the first two waves. so on average, the number of days they're staying in hospital is fewer. also, there are fewer number of patients needing the admission to the intensive care unit. but for staff who've worked through the pandemic, another surge is the last thing they wanted. with the nhs understandably devoting so much time and resource to treating covid patients, there was an impact on other parts of the health service. waiting lists for non—urgent operations and procedures hit record levels.

gail is struggling to walk and needs spinal surgery. she has two collapsed discs in her neck. she's been waiting for an operation for nearly a year, and she doesn't know when it might happen. if i had a date for my surgery, there's a light at the end of the tunnel. with no date, there's no light at the end of the tunnel. it isjust a long, dark tunnel of pain medication and sofa—sitting, and... that's my life. as the autumn progressed, daily cases continued to be high. older people and clinically—vulnerable groups began to be invited for a third vaccine — the booster. it means that i'm at less risk of infecting others and spreading the disease, so it's really important to me. the third dose is very important. the booster programme i is there for the people that need the third dose, and need immunity. in the coming season.

so we've got no beds on trauma, with no medical beds, no surgical beds. the pressure on hospitals continued. how many patients in the department currently waiting for beds? i visited the royal victoria infirmary, in newcastle. at the moment, we've got about eight patients waiting for admission. my concern is not only that we have high levels of bed—waits, waits to be seen — the risk of clinical incidents goes up by the day. but my bigger concern is that i'm not sure what we can do about it. and that's what worries me the most. the ambulances keep on coming — but beds are hard to find because patients in the hospital are staying longer. it really breaks my heart to see some elderly- people lying on trolleys, - because they're really vulnerable. and, you know, they might have been |waiting a long time for an ambulance| before they came in. this ward is where the uk's first covid patients were treated early last year. few would've imagined then that, nearly two years on,

covid patients would still need to be cared for in hospitals like this one. numbers aren't nearly as high as injanuary, but everyone needs a dedicated specialist. it was tough — very tough. tariq has been seriously ill with covid. now getting better, he praised the nurses. beautiful angels, beautiful. so kind. jade, who's the senior sister on this ward, says the stress of the pandemic is beginning to tell. i'd be lying if i said that it hadn't affected me mentally. i think everyone is tired, everyone's lethargic, and everyone... it's difficult because i don't think anybody can see an end to this. so it's difficult to see a light at the end of the tunnel. then, just as people were being told christmas parties could go ahead,

events took a sudden turn. a new variant, 0micron was detected in south africa. after months of opening up, a new coronavirus variant means travel restrictions are back. at heathrow, the last flights from south africa arrived this morning. i feel extremely relieved, because, yeah, who knows how long this is going to last? we've been told we have - to we have to isolate at home. so, that shouldn't be too bad. from sunday, only uk and irish residents will be allowed in from six southern african countries, and they'll have to pay to quarantine in a hotel. testing for the new 0micron variant was increased, cases were spreading quickly, and the warnings got much more serious. i need to speak to you this evening because i'm afraid we're now facing an emergency, in our battle with the new variant, 0micron.

and we must urgently reinforce our wall of vaccine protection to keep our friends and loved ones safe. to be blunt, because of the much greater and faster transmissibility of this new variant, we may be facing — indeed, we may be starting to experience a potential tsunami of infections. the sheer speed at which the variant moves means that it has— the potential to infect large numbers of people. - this variant is much more transmissible, around two—and—a—half times more so than delta. and you will have a larger number of people in our population contracting the virus. high—level concern about the new variant is increasing, and the rapid roll—out of booster jabs is seen as a vital part of the official response. there was no shortage of people queuing for boosters in bristol today — though finding staff to do them hasn't been easy. it is difficult to recruit enough staff, both

vaccinators and admin people. and they've all been working in this programme since the beginning of the year. and, in swindon, a long queue as well, and a wait of several hours. i've been here since 9am, and i'm supposed to have work at 2pm. but they told me that the queue will be till 3.30pm. not happy, i've got better things to do than standing in a queue. i just underfive hours, and, when we got in, there were only two people jabbing. long lines had built up after the acceleration of the booster offer to more adults. since the system in england was opened up to people aged 30 and over early on monday morning, around a million people have booked their boosters — and that doesn't include walk—ins. the question now, can that momentum be maintained? at some vaccine centres, deliveries fell behind, and there were temporary closures. all this as the chief medical officer, chris whitty, warned the cabinet of a likely

increase in covid hospital numbers — a view echoed by other senior officials. we are concerned with the large volume of individuals who are being infected every day in the population, that we are going to have a very difficult four weeks ahead with cases in the community. their key message is get yourjab, with military personnel helping in taunton and at other centres. they'll hope they can keep up with the spread of the virus. then, starting in scotland, appeals for people to reduce mixing indoors with other households, and to think carefully about who they socialise with. the warnings were stark. i am not asking you to cancel or change your plans for christmas day, boxing day, or whenever you have your main festive celebration. but, in the run—up to and in the aftermath of christmas, i am asking — i am appealing to everyone to cut down, as far as possible,

our contacts with people in other households. my key request to all of you today is, as far as you can, please minimise your indoor social interactions with other households at this time. this is a really serious| threat at the moment. how big a threat? there are several things we don't know — but all the things - that we do know are bad. and the principal one being - the speed of which this is moving — it is moving at an absolutely phenomenal pace. - the national covid memorial wall by the river thames, in london, where families have commemorated their loved ones, is a reminder of the terrible toll taken by the virus. the heartfelt tributes show how cruel covid—19 is. the optimism offered by the vaccines knocked back by the speed at which the virus changes. so the year ends as it began — with the nhs under intense pressure,

and with more families losing those they love. but the hope for the year ahead is that science offers a way out of the pandemic, with new drugs and therapies, and continued take—up of the boosters. headlines coming up in a moment. time now to get the news, travel and weather where you are. hello. here are the top stories in london and the south east this morning. terrorists who planned attacks in london and kent are among nearly 100 being considered for release from prison by the parole board. one of the cases under review is nazam hussain, who plotted alongside london bridge

terrorist usman khan. a decision is also expected on whether to release jawad akbar, one of five men who wanted to bomb bluewater shopping centre in kent in 200a. more than a third of fire engines in london were out of action over christmas, as 0micron hit staffing numbers. london fire brigade says the impact of covid on its staffing levels has reached a "critical point." at the start of this week, 15% of firefighters were self—isolating and not available to work. surrey police say a lorry�*s windscreen has been damaged by objects thrown onto the m25. it's after reports young people were throwing large pieces of wood onto the motorway on tuesday afternoon, near clacket lane services. dermatologists say they've seen a rise in skin complaints caused by the wearing of tight—fitting masks. it comes as the government has reintroduced compulsory face coverings. 0ne skin doctor working in east london has this advice. you don't want to be putting

lots of oily moisturisers on if you are tending to break out, so if you are getting acne that is underneath the mask, may be the moisturiser you are using is too heavy. either try without a moisturiser or if you must use a moisturiser, use an oil free moisturiser and try cleansing your skin. a bin strike's set to go ahead in eastbroune after a number of drivers voted for industrial action in a row over pay and conditions. walkouts are planned for tomorrow, as well as next friday and the following monday. eastbourne counciil say the strikes are wholly unnecessary and they'll keep talking to union bosses. network rail engineers have been working through the night to remove a landslip that disrupted services in east sussex. train speeds were reduced to 20 miles per hour near crowborough yesterday after heavy rainfall brought mud and debris onto the tracks. public health experts in brighton and hove are urging people to get their booster vaccinations, and enjoy a "jabby new year." they say pre—booked

appointments and walk—in sessions are available every day this week. let's take a look at the weather now with kate kinsella. it's an exceptionally mild start. temperatures stayed in the mid teens overnight. a misty start for someone with south coast and cloudy elsewhere. you can't rule out a light shower and also breezy, with the south—westerly wind especially gusty along the channel coast but temperatures 15, maybe 16 celsius and it will be another mild night as well. we still have the cloud over night and cannot rule out patchy, light rain but with drier spells it remains breezy overnight and as we head into friday morning you might hear a rumble of thunder and temperatures dropping between 10 and 12 celsius, so staying in double figures. tomorrow, a drier day, sunny spells late and overnight

on new year's eve it looks dry and mild. we'll be backjust before 7:30am. good morning. welcome to breakfast with ben thompson and katherine downes. 0ur headlines today... guilty — ghislaine maxwell is convicted of recruiting and trafficking young girls to be sexually abused by the late american billionairejeffrey epstein. she faces the rest of her life in prison. the us attorney praises the women who came forward to give evidence against maxwell. their courage and willingness to face their abuser made today's result in this case possible.

we'll look at what happens now for prince andrew, who is named in a lawsuit brought by a woman who says she was groomed by maxwell and abused by the prince — he denies the allegations. hospitals are asked to find 4,000 extra emergency beds in england to deal with a potential wave of 0micron patients as admissions hit the highest levels since march. and a government promise has been made to get 8 million lateral flow test kits into pharmacies by tomorrow after reports of shortages. is the premier league title race over already? victory over brentford puts manchester city eight points clear at the top as one of their biggest rivals falters. a few spots could get close to 10 degrees above normal today. the exceptionally mild weather continues. the full forecast here on

breakfast. it's thursday, the 30th of december. our main story. ghislaine maxwell has been found guilty of grooming and trafficking underage girls for the convicted paedophilejeffrey epstein. jurors found her guilty of five of the six charges she faced. it means she could spend the rest of her life behind bars. aleem maqbool reports. court sketches show the moment ghislaine maxwell's victims have waited decades for. after five days of deliberation, jurors decided she was guilty on five counts linked to the sexual abuse of teenagers. and it was four of her victims who helped put her behind bars. the court heard how ghislaine maxwell gained their trust. during their emotional testimony, they told the jury how she instructed them to give the latejeffrey epstein massages that turned sexual. all but one testified anonymously, using a pseudonym or just their first name. jane said maxwell participated

in her encounters with epstein. kate said, after meeting epstein, maxwell asked her if she had fun, saying she was such a good girl and one of his favourites. and annie farmer, the only victim who publicly identified herself, said ghislaine maxwell gave her an unsolicited massage. she said, "i so badly wanted to get off the table and have the massage be done." she's now said she's relieved at the verdict and that it shows even those with great power and privilege will be held accountable when they sexually abuse the young. defence lawyers attacked the accusers' memories and motives, but that ultimately didn't help ghilsaine maxwell. we firmly believe in ghislaine's innocence. obviously, we are very disappointed with the verdict. we have already started working on the appeal and we are confident that she will be vindicated.

police raids of epstein's homes showed the duo's jet—setting luxurious lifestyle. in this photo, the pair are seen relaxing at the queen's balmoral residence when prince andrew reportedly invited the couple to the estate. the staggering wealth on display from their opulent properties only highlighted how they used their power together over the years to lure, intimidate and silence everyone around them. house rules, including this manual, told staff to be deaf, dumb and blind, forbidding them from making eye contact with epstein. now ghislaine maxwell is going to experience a real prison where she will have a lot of time to think about the profound damage he has caused to so many girls and young

women. ghisliane maxwell will be sentenced at a later date. but it seems extremely likely that she'll spend the rest of her life behind bars. a final fall from grace for the british former socialite, who a jury here has decided wasn't just a bystander to the crimes ofjeffrey epstein, but was herself a predator and an active participant in the sexual abuse of teenagers. aleem maqbool, bbc news in new york. lots of reaction to this. our correspondent nomia iqbaljoins us now from new york. nomia, how significant is this verdict? good morning. this is hugely significant, particularly for the victims, the accusers of epstein and maxwell. this trial was built on the testimony of four women. that was the prosecution's pace. the number

of women that have come out to accuse the pair is in the dozens. for the met is a real victory as well. arguably one of the most high—profile accusers is virginia giuffre. she alleges she was abused by epstein and maxwell when she was a teenager. she tweeted a reaction when that verdict came out. she said... she has taken out a civil case against the duke of york, prince andrew. she alleges he abused her when she was a teenager. that is due to be had here in new york on january the 4th. prince andrew has always denied any wrongdoing by saying he had never met giuffre. buckingham palace has emphatically denied it as well, saying any suggestions of any impropriety with

underage minors is categorically untrue. . . . underage minors is categorically untrue. . , , ., underage minors is categorically untrue. , ., ., ., untrue. there has been a lot of raise, untrue. there has been a lot of praise, hasn't, _ untrue. there has been a lot of praise, hasn't, as— untrue. there has been a lot of praise, hasn't, as a _ untrue. there has been a lot of praise, hasn't, as a result i untrue. there has been a lot of praise, hasn't, as a result of i untrue. there has been a lot of. praise, hasn't, as a result of this verdict for the bravery of the victims who came forward and gave evidence? ., , , victims who came forward and gave evidence? . , , , ., , evidence? there has been. this has been a huge — evidence? there has been. this has been a huge when _ evidence? there has been. this has been a huge when for _ evidence? there has been. this has been a huge when for the _ evidence? there has been. this has i been a huge when for the government. bearing in mind, whenjeffrey killed himself to years ago while awaiting his own six trafficking trial, the spotlight fell on ghislaine maxwell. she disappeared from public view. lots of allegations came out about her role in all of this. the fbi tracked her down to her home until i do second, 2020. she was arrested, charged and face multiple charges. she has been nhl cell since then. witnesses came forward and gave testimony which led to her arrest. the us attorney has spoken out about

this. ., , . .,, , this. the road to 'ustice has been far too this. the road to 'ustice has been fartoo long. — this. the road to justice has been far too long. today _ this. the road to justice has been far too long. today justice - this. the road to justice has been far too long. today justice has i this. the road to justice has been i far too long. today justice has been far too long. todayjustice has been done _ far too long. todayjustice has been done i_ far too long. todayjustice has been done iwant— far too long. todayjustice has been done. i want to commend the bravery of the _ done. i want to commend the bravery of the girls. _ done. i want to commend the bravery of the girls, now young women, who stepped _ of the girls, now young women, who stepped out — of the girls, now young women, who stepped out of the shadows and into the courtroom. their courage and willingness — the courtroom. their courage and willingness to face the reviews are made _ willingness to face the reviews are made today's result in this case possible — made today's result in this case ossible. , . made today's result in this case ossible., , ., . made today's result in this case ossible. , , ., ., ., made today's result in this case ossible. , ., ., ., , , ., possible. just to add that ghislaine maxwell is facing _ possible. just to add that ghislaine maxwell is facing another - possible. just to add that ghislaine maxwell is facing another trial, i possible. just to add that ghislaine maxwell is facing another trial, a l maxwell is facing another trial, a perjury trial in new york. she is accused of lying under a in a deposition regarding jeffrey epstein a few years ago. she also denies those charges. the trial of ghislaine maxwell is just one of the court cases in the us arising from the activities of the disgraced bankerjeffrey epstein, who died in prison after being charged with sex trafficking.

the other is a civil lawsuit by virginia guiffre, formerly known as virginia roberts, against prince andrew alleging sexual assault. prince andrew has always strongly denied her claims. 0ur royal correspondent nicolas witchell reports. caught by the camera in this now infamous photograph. 0n the left, prince andrew, in the centre, the then 17—year—old virginia roberts, and on the right, smiling for the camera, ghislaine maxwell. andrew's friendship with ghislaine maxwell goes back more than 20 years. here he is with her at royal ascot injune 2000. at the time, she was jeffrey epstein's girlfriend. epstein was there as well. he too was a guest of prince andrew at royal ascot. andrew spoke about his friendship with epstein and his girlfriend ghislaine maxwell in his newsnight interview. in 2000, epstein was a guest at windsor castle and sandringham. he was brought right into the heart of the royal family at your invitation.

but certainly at my invitation, not at the royal family's invitation. remember that it was his girlfriend that was the key element in this. he was the, as it were, plus one to some extent in that aspect. am i right in thinking you threw a birthday party for epstein's girlfriend, ghislaine maxwell, at sandringham? no, it was a shooting weekend. a shooting weekend. a straightforward shooting weekend. racing at ascot, shooting at sandringham, and a trip to balmoral. this photograph, an exhibit at maxwell's trial in new york, shows epstein and maxwell relaxing at the queen's balmoral estate. they were there at andrew's invitation. andrew categorically denies knowing of any improper activities by epstein or anyone else. his lawyers are mounting a robust defence against the civil lawsuit brought against him in new york by virginia roberts, or virginia giuffre as she is now.

in a submission to the court, andrew's legal team say the case should be dismissed. they say the allegations against him are baseless and motivated by giuffre's desire for a payday at his expense. whatever the truth of those allegations, it is clear andrew had a long lasting friendship with ghislaine maxwell. it was to her that andrew turned when virginia roberts's allegations surfaced. in january 2015, andrew e—mailed maxwell... to which maxwell replied... however, by the time andrew did his interview with newsnight, he seemed to want to distance himself from his old friend. if there are questions ghislaine has to answer, that's her problem, i'm afraid. i'm not in a position to be able to comment one way or the other.

a court in new york has now delivered its verdict on ghislaine maxwell. in a few weeks, another court in new york will consider the civil lawsuit against prince andrew, brought by virginia giuffre. andrew's lawyers will once again plead his innocence of any impropriety. nicholas witchell, bbc news. we're joined now by gloria allred, a lawyer representing some ofjeffrey epstein's accusers. thank you so much forjoining us on bbc breakfast in the light of this verdict. can you give your reaction to the news when you heard it? yes. to the news when you heard it? yes, when i represent _ to the news when you heard it? yes, when i represent 20 _ to the news when you heard it? yes when i represent 20 accusers of jeffrey epstein. some of them have made allegations against miss maxwell as well. they made the allegations to law enforcement although they did not testify at this trial. there was only a very limited timeframe in which charges

were filed in reference to miss maxwell at best trial. but it has been a long journey and as the us attorney said, and i even said it before he did, none of this could have happened without the courage of the victims. they testified very bravely they were cross—examined vigorously by the defence, their motives were questioned, and they just held their heads up and with dignity at all of the questions. they made many sacrifices for the cause ofjustice. others who alleged they were victims also shared information with law enforcement, as my clients did. as a result, miss maxwell was convicted. this does send a message to other sexual predators and those who were

inspired to six trafficked underaged girls to them that this would be taken very seriously, charges may be filed against you, you may be prosecuted, you may end up being sentenced to prison for the rest of your life which may be the case against miss maxwell. they wear and do not conspire with or become a sexual predator yourself. under age girls are very vulnerable, easy to take advantage of and it is taken very seriously when they are preyed upon by adults who do know better. it sounds like you are sending a warning. 20 women you represent yourself, dozens have given evidence, just four gave evidence in this trial. do you think we will see more cases coming to court in this case? i more cases coming to court in this case? ., �* .. ., case? i don't know whether the united states _ case? i don't know whether the united states attorney - case? i don't know whether the united states attorney plans i case? i don't know whether the united states attorney plans to prosecute anyone else who may have

been an enabler ofjeffrey epstein, who may have had a role in helping to recruit and to, you know, to involve themselves in assisting jeffrey epstein to commit his sexual misconduct and abuse of the girls or not. i don't know. this is some justice, not all the justice a lot of the victims want to because many of the victims want to because many of them wanted to be able to confrontjeffrey epstein himself in a court of law. of course they could not do that because he either committed suicide or was murdered at the metropole detention centre where he was awaiting his own criminal trial. i do note you mentioned the civil case against prince andrew. we will see what happens with that stop

less proof is required to prove a civil case than is required to prove a criminal case. to prove a criminal case, the burden of proof is beyond reasonable doubt. that is the highest burden of proof in a civil a criminal case but in a civil case it is much lower, only a preponderance of evidence must be shown in order for there to be the possibility of the defendant being held liable, not found guilty but being held liable. we will have to wait to see. i anticipate many legal arguments on behalf of prince andrew having to do with jurisdiction, behalf of prince andrew having to do withjurisdiction, the power of the court and other such issues. we will have to see whether his case ever gets to trial or not.— gets to trial or not. many of your clients also _ gets to trial or not. many of your clients also taking _ gets to trial or not. many of your clients also taking part _ gets to trial or not. many of your clients also taking part in - gets to trial or not. many of your clients also taking part in this i clients also taking part in this compensation case againstjeffrey compensation case against jeffrey epstein. compensation case againstjeffrey epstein. how is that looking in light of this verdict? will it help

in their case for compensation? most ofthe in their case for compensation? most of the victims — in their case for compensation? most of the victims who _ in their case for compensation? most of the victims who did _ in their case for compensation? i’j�*ifisii of the victims who did participate in the epstein victims compensation fund, and most of my clients did, have already had their claims are judged and resolved in the fund. the deadline for applying to that fund has now passed. we still do have a pending lawsuit that is pending in the united states district court for the united states district court for the southern district of litigation, a serious case. we will see what happens when that one. the most important thing for the victims as they wanted the truth to come out. they wanted to feel they were being vindicated. i think that has happened today and notjust vindicated. i think that has happened today and not just for the victims who testified that for many other victims as well. some victims

blame themselves, they feel ashamed and felt somehow responsible. under age girls are not the ones who are responsible. it is people like jeffrey epstein and miss maxwell. those are the ones who knew better and they had this pattern, this scheme, and they had this method of recruiting and bringing them in and normalising the situation, having their young girls thinking they were going to do a massage for $200 and after that they were sexually abused and that was a shock to say many and has left long lasting trauma and damage on the victims themselves. hank you so much for speaking to us this morning. gloria, a lawyer representing 20 ofjeffrey epstein's accusers. good morning. here's matt with a look at this morning's weather.

it sounded like there was a lot of rain overnight where we were. kept me awake. also it is weirdly warm, unseasonably warm. it certainly is. it is closer to nine, 10 degrees warmer than we would expect this stage in december. to go with it and the rain some mastery wins. let's have a look at the temperatures at the moment. early on a late december morning. way above what you would expect in the afternoon. here is the rain. we have seen heavy bass in the north—west but many across parts of scotland at the moment. lighter, patchy rain in the south. misty and murky as well. some of the strongest winds right now. it does brighten up across scotland, northern ireland and the far north of england. 0ne across scotland, northern ireland and the far north of england. one or to showers continuing to sustain wet in wales. the rain will slide back into other areas of northern

england. we will see the mildest of conditions by 16, 17 possible. the warmest december on record possible. tonight the mastery continues. the exception as parts of northern scotland with clear skies. rain in southern scotland, northern ireland, england and may the odd rumble of thunder pushing a stomach would be another mild night. for new year's eve we had got cloudy outbreaks of rain in the south of scotland, northern ireland and northern england. rain returns to the west later. more sunshine in england and wales with clear skies through the night. temperatures still on the exceptionally mild side. that is how it is looking. back to you both stop if you are outdoors, not bad at all.

eight temporary covid hubs are to be set up at hospitals across england in preparation for a potential wave of 0micron admissions. nhs england says each site will have capacity for around 100 patients, and there are also plans to identify a further 4,000 beds if needed. meanwhile, almost 8 million test kits will be made available to pharmacies by tomorrow, amid warnings of patchy supplies following the changes to self—isolation rules. our health editor hugh pym reports. at the height of the pandemic in the spring of 2020, a network of so—called nightingale hospitals were set up in england at conference centres and other sites to cope with an anticipated surge of covid patients. scotland, wales and northern ireland made similar arrangements. but they were not extensively used with major hospitals preferring to retain their staff to look after covid patients, rather than lend them to the nightingales. this time, temporary structures will be set up in the grounds of eight hospitals in england. the idea is it will be easier to deploy staff and provide access to diagnostics and emergency care.

areas such as gyms and education centres could be converted or prefabricated units set up in car parks. they would accommodate patients close to being discharged and who would need minimal support, including those recovering from covid who are no longer infectious. the plan is to create 4,000 extra beds to add to the current total of about 100,000. the health secretary sajid javid said he hoped the surge hubs would not have to be used but it was right to prepare for all scenarios and increase capacity. nhs england said it wasn't yet known how many of those who caught the virus would need hospital treatment but with rising infections it wasn't possible to wait to find out. the nhs was now on a war footing. all this comes at a time when nhs trusts are under pressure because of sickness absence. some staff said they can't get pcr or lateral flow tests to get back to work and others have also reported shortages of testing capacity.

health chiefs admit it's a problem but say they are addressing it. we do recognise there are some difficulties across the country, both in pharmacies and with home testing requests. we do release and are continuing to release test slots for individuals and so they should just keep trying through the day. obviously, as the christmas period subsides, then the testing capacity should be more available to them. we do have good supplies and we will be endeavouring to get those to the right places. the uk health security agency said almost 8 million lateral flow test kits would be supplied to pharmacies by new year's eve. people wanting pcr tests should keep checking the official website as more slots were being made available each day. hugh pym, bbc news. we're joined now by our political correspondent pete saull. pete, eight million lateral flow

tests are to be available at pharmacies by tomorrow. that is quite a challenge, isn't it? it is. if you go online this morning chances are you will find it pretty difficult to get a lateral flow test or a pcr test. a short time ago, the only parts of the country way to get a pcr test when the south—west of england and wales. you might get more luck if you go to your local pharmacy. they should be getting 8 million kits delivered to pharmacies by tomorrow in a big, logistical effort. the problem is not in terms of stocks, it is in terms of deliveries by getting their tests to where they are needed. yesterday we heard from sir roger gale who said heard from sir roger gale who said he had spoken to sajid javid, telling him that there is no quick fix for this particular issue. clearly this is a problem for the government. in england they have not announced any extra restrictions to

try to deal with coronavirus. they are asking us to exercise caution. yesterday the prime minister told us to take a test before going out to celebrate new year's eve is that this could continue to undermine the message. a government source did say there was unprecedented demand for test but also unprecedented supply in this country. we test but also unprecedented supply in this country-— in this country. we will watch and see. time now to get the news, travel and weather where you are. good morning from the newsteams at bbc london and bbc south east. almost 100 terrorists are being considered for release from prison by the parole board, including people who planned attacks in london and kent. one of the cases under review is nazam hussain, who plotted alongside london bridge terrorist usman khan. a decision is also expected on whether to release jawad akbar, one of five men who wanted to bomb bluewater shopping centre in kent

and the ministry of sound nightclub in london, in 2004. london fire brigade says the impact of covid on its staffing levels has reached a 'critical point�*. at the beginning of this week 15 percent of firefighters were self—isolating and not available to work. it's led to more than a third of fire engines being out of action in the capital over the christmas period. surrey police are asking for dashcam footage that might have caught the moment a lorry�*s windscreen was damaged by objects thrown onto the m25. it's after reports young people were seen throwing large pieces of wood onto the motorway on tuesday afternoon near clacket lane services. it's thought around 50,000 households in eastbourne could be affected by a bin strike that's set to go ahead in eastbourne tomorrow — after a number of drivers voted for industrial action in a row over pay and conditions. walkouts

are also planned for next friday and the following monday — and union bosses say there could be more. eastbourne counciil say the strikes are wholly unnecessary. a van used to fly tip household waste near maidstone has been seized by police. officers were called to penenden heath on boxing day after reports of a vehicle stuck in the mud near to dumped rubbish and old toys. two men were questioned at the scene. network rail engineers have been working through the night to remove a landslip that disrupted services in east sussex. train speeds were reduced to 20 miles per hour near crowborough yesterday after heavy rainfall brought mud and debris onto the tracks. public health experts in brighton and hove are urging people to get their covid booster vaccinations, and enjoy a "jabby new year". more than 107,000 people in the city have had the booster — with pre—booked appointments and walk—in sessions available every day this week. let's take a look at the weather now with kate kinsella. it's an exceptionally mild start. temperatures stayed

in the mid teens overnight. a misty start for some on south coast and cloudy elsewhere. you can't rule out a light shower and also breezy, with the south—westerly wind especially gusty along the channel coast but temperatures 15, maybe 16 celsius and it will be another mild night as well. we still have the cloud over night and cannot rule out patchy, light rain but with drier spells it remains breezy overnight and as we head into friday morning you might hear a rumble of thunder and temperatures dropping between 10 and 12 celsius, so staying in double figures. tomorrow, a drier day, sunny spells late and overnight on new year's eve it looks dry and mild. there'll be more from me at half eight. hello, this is breakfast with

ben thompson and katherine downes. it is the strange week between christmas and new year. thanks for confirmin: christmas and new year. thanks for confirming the _ christmas and new year. thanks for confirming the date. _ christmas and new year. thanks for confirming the date. nobody - christmas and new year. thanks for confirming the date. nobody knows| confirming the date. nobody knows what da it confirming the date. nobody knows what day it is _ confirming the date. nobody knows what day it is between _ confirming the date. nobody knows what day it is between christmas i confirming the date. nobody knows. what day it is between christmas and new year. today marks one year since the uk became the first country in the world to approve the oxford astrazeneca vaccine. since then, almost 50 million doses have been administered here — saving countless lives, keeping people out of hospital, and reducing the pressure on the nhs. we're joined now by professor sir andrew pollard, director of the oxford vaccine group which developed the jab. good morning to you and nice to see you and thanks for being with this morning. it does feel a very long year, but a year since the vaccine was approved. talk to me about the impact that has had on the shape of the pandemic. it is impact that has had on the shape of the pandemic-— the pandemic. it is as you say exactly a _ the pandemic. it is as you say exactly a year _ the pandemic. it is as you say exactly a year ago _

the pandemic. it is as you say exactly a year ago that - the pandemic. it is as you say exactly a year ago that the i the pandemic. it is as you say i exactly a year ago that the vaccine was approved and a great moment but a huge amount of work has happened since then in distributing the vaccine and you mention 50 million doses in the uk but globally it is more than 2 billion doses which have been distributed, not—for—profit, to around hundred and 80 countries around hundred and 80 countries around the world so it's been a pretty astonishing year with vaccines getting to people who need them everywhere. i vaccines getting to people who need them everywhere.— them everywhere. i know it's difficult to — them everywhere. i know it's difficult to put _ them everywhere. i know it's difficult to put numbers i them everywhere. i know it's difficult to put numbers on . them everywhere. i know it's i difficult to put numbers on these things because it is hard to collate a lot of information but it is thought that the vaccine has saved the lives of about a million people. did you ever imagined you would be part of something like that? late part of something like that? i've been working — part of something like that? i've been working in _ part of something like that? is been working in vaccines part of something like that? is: been working in vaccines for part of something like that? i�*”e: been working in vaccines for more than 20 years and every year they save millions of lives, so in some senses, this is what vaccines do so it's no surprise to me at all but on the other hand there's been an extraordinary moment to be involved in the development with the enormous

connection of the work we do here at oxford university with the public, because of the importance of vaccination in a pandemic. shy, because of the importance of vaccination in a pandemic. a lot of work went — vaccination in a pandemic. a lot of work went into _ vaccination in a pandemic. a lot of work went into getting _ vaccination in a pandemic. a lot of work went into getting us - vaccination in a pandemic. a lot of work went into getting us to i vaccination in a pandemic. a lot of work went into getting us to this l work went into getting us to this stage but i wonder if you can take us back to march of 2020 when it all started emerging, particularly in europe and the uk. what was the thought process? what were you looking at then which has got us to the stage we are at today? we started the stage we are at today? - started planning the clinical trials backin started planning the clinical trials back in february 2020 to try and work out how we could develop the vaccine and we already had the prototype in the laboratory and we started manufacturing, but then we then had to plan how to do the trials which could tell us that the vaccine was safe and that it would work, and that is usually a laborious process that takes ten or 15 years, so it was a fairly

daunting task, not least because most of the commentary at the time was we won't have a vaccine for years and we were absolutely aware that if we didn't have a vaccine there would be many millions more people who would have died, so an enormous amount of pressure but the team here at oxford are wonderful researchers around the uk and of course the public all came forward and from a first dose being giving a trial in april 2020 in just eight months to get to the point a year ago to where the vaccine was authorised.— ago to where the vaccine was authorised. ~., , , ., , , authorised. many people will be surrised authorised. many people will be surprised how _ authorised. many people will be surprised how quickly _ authorised. many people will be | surprised how quickly developed authorised. many people will be i surprised how quickly developed and given your history and how long you have worked in the field, where you even surprised at how quickly the medical community was able to come together and develop this vaccine? in some ways yes. the actual mechanics of doing the trials is the

same as we would normally do. it's just a lot of the causes of delay in normal production were taken out. we did not have to wait for funding approval between each step in the development process and it was relatively easy to find volunteers who wanted to contribute in the pandemic, so recruitment wasn't a problem. all of those technical components which really delay the development of vaccines normally were taken out, so in a sense the process was the same as usual, it's just the normal built—in delays weren't there which allowed us to move swiftly. weren't there which allowed us to move swiftly-— weren't there which allowed us to move swiftl . ., ., ._ ., move swiftly. here we are today and we know more _ move swiftly. here we are today and we know more about _ move swiftly. here we are today and we know more about this _ move swiftly. here we are today and we know more about this virus i move swiftly. here we are today and we know more about this virus and l move swiftly. here we are today and i we know more about this virus and we know there are variants that respond in different ways to the vaccine. talk to me about the work going on now to update and change and modify vaccines to make sure we are most

protected. that vaccines to make sure we are most rotected. �* ., ., protected. at the moment, and althou:h protected. at the moment, and although you — protected. at the moment, and although you are _ protected. at the moment, and although you are right - protected. at the moment, and although you are right to i protected. at the moment, and although you are right to focus| protected. at the moment, and l although you are right to focus on that question, i actually feel most worried about the unvaccinated people weather here in the uk or elsewhere because we do have a variant which spreads remarkably effectively so it will be finding many of those unvaccinated people in the weeks ahead and there are countries where only a quarter of the population are vaccinated. we are very lucky to have around 90% of people who had at least one dose in the adult population but those who are unvaccinated remain at risk in the uk and other countries around the uk and other countries around the world, so perhaps that needs to be our focus, to get the first doses of whichever vaccine is accessible to people, but if we were to find that we needed to modify the vaccines for omicron or the son of 0micron and the processes have been worked out over the course of this year about what needs to be done for that, working with regulators, that

process can happen more quickly and indeed with the oxford vaccine, those steps have been taken and i know other developers are doing that, so if we need to be, we can make the vaccines. i that, so if we need to be, we can make the vaccines.— that, so if we need to be, we can make the vaccines. i wonder if we could have _ make the vaccines. i wonder if we could have a _ make the vaccines. i wonder if we could have a quickfire _ make the vaccines. i wonder if we could have a quickfire run - make the vaccines. i wonder if we could have a quickfire run through of things, because people are concerned that astrazeneca was used for the early vaccines, the first two doses and in some respects it has fallen out of favour and the boosters being pfizer or moderna. should people be worried if they had two doses of astrazeneca and they had something different now than they are less protected if you'd had they are less protected if you'd had the first two doses of pfizer. ila. i the first two doses of pfizer. no. i think the combination _ the first two doses of pfizer. no. i think the combination of - the first two doses of pfizer. ibo. i think the combination of astrazeneca and pfizer and having three visors is great, and whatever vaccines people have had are there giving superb protection which is why today we are in such a different place than where we were a year ago, where there was so much uncertainty and

hospitals were filling up again in the most tremendous date when the alpha variant arrived but here today with omicron in a vaccinated population, it's very difficult —— very different. i also want to say the switch to using pfizer as a booster has allowed many more doses of astrazeneca to be made available elsewhere in the world where it is very easily transportable and that means many more people are protected today as a result.— today as a result. absolutely. i want to ask — today as a result. absolutely. i want to ask about _ today as a result. absolutely. i want to ask about what - today as a result. absolutely. i want to ask about what we i today as a result. absolutely. i i want to ask about what we should today as a result. absolutely. i - want to ask about what we should get used to. as this continues, will getting a vaccine for covid become as commonplace as taking a flu jab every year? what are you expecting to happen? i every year? what are you expecting to ha en? .. . to happen? i think we have the immediate _ to happen? i think we have the immediate crisis _ to happen? i think we have the immediate crisis of— to happen? i think we have the immediate crisis of this - to happen? i think we have the immediate crisis of this winter| to happen? i think we have the i immediate crisis of this winter and the scientific advice to the government is very complex to try and work out how to best manage the nhs through this difficult winter,

but if we take a longer—term view, it is clear that this virus and its future various will be able to spread —— variants. it would be good news with it came a virus over time so we were less concerned about it, but i don't think we can guarantee that, so one thing we have to do is to continue to monitor what is happening as new variants emerge and it may well be that there are individuals in the population who remain susceptible and do need boosting in future years but whether thatis boosting in future years but whether that is an annualjab like flu or something different, i don't think we can answer at the moment and they don't know if that is the knee that will emerge over time. you don't know if that is the knee that will emerge over time.— will emerge over time. you talk about the _ will emerge over time. you talk about the exports _ will emerge over time. you talk about the exports of _ will emerge over time. you talk about the exports of oxford i about the exports of oxford astrazeneca vaccines and that is clearly one of the solutions as we are constantly told we are not protected until everybody is protected. talk to me about the

exports and how the global picture is looking as far as vaccination is concerned. is looking as far as vaccination is concerned-— is looking as far as vaccination is concerned. �* ., ' , ., , is looking as far as vaccination is concerned. �* ., ' , ., concerned. around 9 billion doses of vaccines that — concerned. around 9 billion doses of vaccines that have _ concerned. around 9 billion doses of vaccines that have been _ concerned. around 9 billion doses of vaccines that have been authorised l vaccines that have been authorised are being used around the world and that brings us into a better position globally than a year ago but there is still work to do and there are vulnerable people in many countries who are not vaccinated and we have some countries where that is due to supply constraints because there are more doses to be distributed and in other countries it's about addressing vaccine hesitancy and the absolute priority where there is a supply that people are not taking up and those countries that have low vaccine uptake are still suffering from the pandemic in the same way as we were last year. we pandemic in the same way as we were last ear. ~ . ., ., , ., last year. we are grateful for your time this morning _ last year. we are grateful for your time this morning and _ last year. we are grateful for your time this morning and thanks i last year. we are grateful for your time this morning and thanks for. time this morning and thanks for explaining all about. some reassuring advice. professor andrew

pollard, director of the oxford vaccine group that developed the oxford astrazeneca jab, thank you 0xford astrazeneca jab, thank you forjoining us. sarah is here with all of your traditional christmas sport and all the trimmings. football, darts, cricket in australia. all the usual stuff. exactly. entertainment within all of this covid. a bit ominous for manchester city if there are any other fans that are not manchester city fans. the last two times the end of the year top of the table they went on to win the league title, that was batting 2011 and 2018 and they will end of this year at the top of the table. they have really put down some space between the likes of chelsea and liverpool who have been challenging. manchester city making good work of it. they beat brentford 1—0. phil foden with a cool finish. manager pep guardiola says the title

race is farfrom over, despite his side now sitting eight points clear — but he was really pleased with the performance. the way we played the game is the way we _ the way we played the game is the way we should play and that�*s why it�*s way we should play and that�*s why it's the _ way we should play and that�*s why it�*s the perfect performance for us because _ it�*s the perfect performance for us because i— it�*s the perfect performance for us because i know how the other teams come _ because i know how the other teams come here _ because i know how the other teams come here and how they suffer. how many _ come here and how they suffer. how many chances they create from corners — many chances they create from corners and free kicks and throw ins and we _ corners and free kicks and throw ins and we did — corners and free kicks and throw ins and we did not concede once in the second _ and we did not concede once in the second half— and we did not concede once in the second half and not one shot on target _ second half and not one shot on target and — second half and not one shot on target and that is because we played perfectly. _ target and that is because we played perfectly, the way we should play. second—placed chelsea could only manage a draw at brighton. romelu lukaku put them ahead but in stoppage time, substitute danny welbeck sparked jubilant scenes as he found the equaliser — leaving chelsea boss thomas tuchel very bitter. absolutely not right. they had some chances. _ absolutely not right. they had some chances, this is normal and we had bigger— chances, this is normal and we had bigger and — chances, this is normal and we had bigger and better chances and we had a clear—

bigger and better chances and we had a clear penalty that was not looked at and _ a clear penalty that was not looked at and very— a clear penalty that was not looked at and very disappointed. arsenal manager mikel arteta will miss his side's match against manchester city on new year's day after testing positive for covid again. arteta first contracted the virus in march last year, prompting the shutdown of football at the start of the pandemic. he's now isolating but he's still expected to undertake media duties today, ahead of the game. and england's crickters will be flying to sydney for the fourth ashes test without head coach chris silverwood. he's in isolation after one of his family tested positive for covid — they'll have to stay in melbourne for 10 days. that's the seventh positive test in the touring party — three support staff and four family members have all contracted the virus. the match is due to start on january 5th. clearly it is very disruptive for the players who, as yet, none of them have tested positive but they are being tested daily and we should not forget that the coach was in contact with some of them yesterday

during net practice so an anxious wait for the next few days to see if any of the england players test positive themselves. they fly to sydney on a charter plane as they try to keep them separate from everyone else. they are the australians are flying together but an anxious weekend ahead for the england players. match referee david boon has also tested positive, so he won't make it to sydney — that was confirmed just as a big bash league match in melbourne was called off following a covid case. all—rounder chris woakes says england captainjoe root has the backing of the players, despite the crushing defeat in the ashes. the huge loss in the third test put australia 3—0 up with two games to play — that means root has not won any of his three ashes series in charge, but woakes believes they have a chance to redeem themselves. we have two really important games coming up. as i say, want to show a

lot of character and a lot of fights and put some pride back into wearing the badge, and we have tried in this series but we need to try even harder and put that right and i think the group of players, the management, the staff, has the backing of the players to put this right for the next two games in particular. and there's more covid news from the pdc world darts at alexandra palace, where a third high—profile player has been forced to withdraw. dave chisnall has joined three—time winner michael van gerwen and vincent van der voort in pulling out after a positive test. we were treated to one of the matches of the tournament so far last night. michael smith beating jonny clayton, who had taken a two set lead before falling 3—2 behind. this bullseye helping him to level the match and then the deciding set went to a tie—break, smith eventually winning it at around 11 o'clock, to set up a meeting with the defending champion gerwyn price. as well as playing darts, scotland's alan soutar

is a full—time fireman and also trains guide dogs. he reached the last 16 with victory over the seventh seed jose de sousa in a thrilling match, sealing his win with a 136 checkout. love those scenes. they are show men. i love those scenes. they are show men- i could _ love those scenes. they are show men. i could watch _ love those scenes. they are show men. i could watch it _ love those scenes. they are show men. i could watch it all— love those scenes. they are show men. i could watch it all day. it i men. i could watch it all day. it does feel like covid is creeping back into sport, doesn't it quest what it is, it is everything. we are 'ust what it is, it is everything. we are just reporting _ what it is, it is everything. we are just reporting case _ what it is, it is everything. we are just reporting case after— what it is, it is everything. we are just reporting case after case. i what it is, it is everything. we are | just reporting case after case. and withdrawals _ just reporting case after case. and withdrawals and postponements. just reporting case after case. and| withdrawals and postponements. it reflects what a lot of people have had to live with this christmas. it is a crazy busy sporting year. it's| is a crazy busy sporting year. it's like when _ is a crazy busy sporting year. it�*s like when people like to have a bit of sport to get away from it all and enjoy it. it's nice to have it again. enjoy it. it's nice to have it aaain. ., , , ., enjoy it. it's nice to have it aaain. , ., , again. hopefully having vaccines will mean the _ again. hopefully having vaccines will mean the sport _ again. hopefully having vaccines will mean the sport can - again. hopefully having vaccinesj will mean the sport can continue somehow. but these back—to—back major events next year, it will be a super busy year for sport and we

don't want to see the olympics cancelled again. i don't think i could go back there again. it will be ok. thanks. _ could go back there again. it will be ok. thanks, ben. _ here's matt with a look at this morning's weather. and the temperatures are a little strange. i know you will explain why we might be looking at warmer temperatures than we should be used to at the end of december and start of january. incredibly well for this stage in late december and close to record—breaking across parts of the country in the next few days and to go with it some blustery conditions but why the mild weather? it's because of where the air is coming from which is coming from the mid—atlantic, past the azores and the warm air in place comes with a fair bit of moisture and there is some damp weather to go with outbreaks of rain this morning across western areas but if you're stepping out the door the big story is how warm it is at the moment and

it will be all day long, to be fair. the revit —— heavy rain in scotland will ease off and brightens up in sunshine and one or two showers in northern ireland and the final thing about much of england and wales stays cloudy with patchy rain and drizzle but across parts of western wales and later into north—western and we will see heavy rain returned in the wind is blustery and coming in the wind is blustery and coming in from the south—west and we could hit 16 or 17 degrees across east anglia and the south—east and although it is cooler further north temperatures are still four or 5 degrees above where we should be at this stage of the year and tonight the heavy rain pushes north again into northern ireland, central southern scotland and northern england and to the north of it we could see temperatures drop down to 45 degrees in rural spots but for most areas it will be another exceptionally mild night and an exceptionally mild night and an exceptionally mild night and an exceptionally mild starter new year's eve. in the morning turns light and patchy through the day and a better chance of cloud breaking in sunshine here and there and sunshine and one or two showers in the north

of scotland where it will be a bit cooler than elsewhere but it could be one of the warmest new year's eve on record, and as we go towards the midnight hour, whilst many across southern and eastern areas will be dry, we will see cloud gather in the north and west with patchy rain and these are the temperatures, midnight temperatures well above where we should be in the afternoon, never mind as we head towards the start of new year's day. for new year's eve, it will be an exceptionally mild start with patchy rain in the north and west and through new year's day itself, if you are going for a walk, there will be sunshine at times but be prepared for a scattering of showers and it stays blustery and the showers are frequent across parts of northern and western scotland and northern ireland but even with those showers around, temperatures still above where they should be. things perhaps turning cooler and a as we head deeper into next week. before i go with the exceptionally mild story, how about this for a start. in london we have

only had just a smidge of sunshine over the past 16 days. 0.2 hours. it has been relentlessly grey. those christmas lights have come in handy to brighten things up. that christmas lights have come in handy to brighten things up.— to brighten things up. that is a food to brighten things up. that is a good start- _ to brighten things up. that is a good start- it _ to brighten things up. that is a good start. it feels _ to brighten things up. that is a good start. it feels like - to brighten things up. that is a good start. it feels like it's i to brighten things up. that is a l good start. it feels like it's been like that in most part of the country. i like that in most part of the count . . . like that in most part of the count . ., , ., ., like that in most part of the count . .,, ., ., .., country. i was going to say, welcome to life in manchester. _ love the stats. 0.2 hours of sunshine — love the stats. 0.2 hours of sunshine normally - love the stats. 0.2 hours of sunshine normally all- love the stats. 0.2 hours of i sunshine normally all summer in manchester. we take what we get. the james webb space telescope, which launched last week, is starting to unfold its sunshield, in a complex process involving hundreds of moving parts. so much could go wrong. you've got to have faith and optimism. 30 years of preparation

have already gone into this mission, which hopes to send back images of the first stars to light up the universe. 0ur science editor rebecca morelle reports. and to lift off. the moment of launch for an astronomy mission like no other as the james webb space telescope blasted off. then the rocket casing opened up and the telescope was released into the darkness of space with a 1 million mile journey darkness of space with a 1 million milejourney ahead. but darkness of space with a 1 million mile journey ahead. but as it travels, it has a fiendishly difficult task to do, unfolding. it is so big. we did not have any rocket big enough to launch it, fully deployed, so we had to build this telescope to be folded up to fit inside the rocket. this is a really difficult piece of engineering. nasa has never shied away from doing hard things so i have full confidence it will work. unfurling the sun shield is the most difficult part of this process. it is enormous, the size of a tennis

court. first, it is two halves and they are lowered into position. then they are lowered into position. then the booms are deployed. the operation involves 400 police, 400 metres of cabling and more than 100 release mechanisms that have to fire at exactly the right time. finally, the material is pulled taut and the five layers of the sun shield, each as thin as a human hair, separate. the whole process has been rehearsed again and again on earth, but doing this in space will be nail—biting. it's made of floppy material, and it has to be held on to a series of pins which release one by one, pull it out, make it tight, release another bit, pull it out again, until slowly over days you pull out this tennis court —sized object. for many people working on the project, thatis many people working on the project, that is where the real nerves are. the sun shield protects the telescope from the heat and light of the sun. the difference between the hot and cold sides is huge. 300

celsius. the telescope needs to operate in the coldest and darkest conditions to see the most distant stars. ., , .., stars. for the first time, we can see all the _ stars. for the first time, we can see all the way _ stars. for the first time, we can see all the way back _ stars. for the first time, we can see all the way back to - stars. for the first time, we can see all the way back to the i stars. for the first time, we can see all the way back to the time stars. for the first time, we can i see all the way back to the time of the first galaxies forming, and that will allow us to get images of them and verify that they are the first galaxies and then we can study how galaxies and then we can study how galaxies have evolved over the history of the universe. the images that eventually _ history of the universe. the images that eventually come _ history of the universe. the images that eventually come back - history of the universe. the images that eventually come back from - history of the universe. the images i that eventually come back from james that eventually come back from james webb will be more spectacular than these taken by the hubble telescope, but there is still work to do. the sun shield will take several days to open and that is just the start of this complex unfolding process. with so much at stake, it is a tense time for the team. it makes it look so easyin for the team. it makes it look so easy in those computer images. you don't get a sense of quite how much is involved. i don't get a sense of quite how much is involved-— is involved. i wonder if they will have a live _ is involved. i wonder if they will have a live feed _ is involved. i wonder if they will have a live feed you _ is involved. i wonder if they will have a live feed you can - is involved. i wonder if they will have a live feed you can sit - is involved. i wonder if they will| have a live feed you can sit down and watch. that is the kind of thing

i would be engrossed in four days, watching the shield spread out. fix, watching the shield spread out. a tennis court sized shield, it's incredible. i tennis court sized shield, it's incredible.— tennis court sized shield, it's incredible. ., incredible. i hope you can catch on the internet. _ in recent months, we've covered the issue of 'spiking' on nights out — after a growing number of women reported falling victim to the crime, either by injection or in their alcohol. with new year festivities upon us, our reporterjo black has been to ipswich to find out if the fear of being spiked has prompted any changes in behaviour. in ipswich, people are enjoying a festive night out. but recent reports of spiking across the country have had an impact. i am country have had an impact. i am more likely _ country have had an impact. i am more likely to — country have had an impact. i am more likely to not _ country have had an impact. i am more likely to not drink- country have had an impact. i:n more likely to not drink and drive into town, just so i am more aware, because i feel like once you have had a few drinks your awareness of what is going on around you drops. you never know and you hear of some venues _ you never know and you hear of some venues where — you never know and you hear of some venues where it is a bit rife and

you try— venues where it is a bit rife and you try and _ venues where it is a bit rife and you try and avoid those places. some ubs and you try and avoid those places. some pubs and clubs _ you try and avoid those places. some pubs and clubs have _ you try and avoid those places. fine pubs and clubs have stepped up security. with more searches at the doors and anti spiking lids for drinks. othervenues doors and anti spiking lids for drinks. other venues like this one in norwich are part of a pilot and have you're in testing kit so anyone who thinks they have been spiked can provide samples for analysis. chloe believes she was spiked by injection on a night out in october. the next day she discovered a pin —sized hole in herjeans and in the same area a bruise on her hip. her case is now being investigated. like many others, chloe has decided to speak about her experience. i others, chloe has decided to speak about her experience.— about her experience. i think it's now making _ about her experience. i think it's now making more _ about her experience. i think it's now making more people - about her experience. i think it's now making more people aware| about her experience. i think it's i now making more people aware of about her experience. i think it's - now making more people aware of the situation, more people feel unsafe to go out with their friends. find to go out with their friends. and denzil stuart _ to go out with their friends. and denzil stuart says his drink was spiked four weeks ago but he did not report it was it's made me a bit

more wary. figs report it was it's made me a bit more wary-— report it was it's made me a bit morewa .n. , ~ more wary. as a bloke you think, it won't happen _ more wary. as a bloke you think, it won't happen to — more wary. as a bloke you think, it won't happen to me, _ more wary. as a bloke you think, it won't happen to me, i— more wary. as a bloke you think, it won't happen to me, i can - more wary. as a bloke you think, it won't happen to me, i can leave i more wary. as a bloke you think, it| won't happen to me, i can leave my drink— won't happen to me, i can leave my drink there — won't happen to me, i can leave my drink there and then you are waking up drink there and then you are waking up outside — drink there and then you are waking up outside the club four hours later with no— up outside the club four hours later with no memory of what has happened. it has _ with no memory of what has happened. it has definitely changed my attitude. i always get the caps you put on _ attitude. i always get the caps you put on your— attitude. i always get the caps you put on your drink and i don't leave the drink— put on your drink and i don't leave the drink unattended. you shouldn't have to _ the drink unattended. you shouldn't have to do _ the drink unattended. you shouldn't have to do it but we are in this day and age _ have to do it but we are in this day and age and — have to do it but we are in this day and age and you have to be careful. eartier— and age and you have to be careful. earlier this — and age and you have to be careful. earlier this year many people boycotted clubs and bars to raise theissue boycotted clubs and bars to raise the issue of spiking. there was a debate by mps, and now the home affairs committee is carrying out an enquiry. meanwhile, the police are encouraging anyone who believes they are spiked to report it. we encouraging anyone who believes they are spiked to report it.— are spiked to report it. we rely very heavily — are spiked to report it. we rely very heavily on _ are spiked to report it. we rely very heavily on the _ are spiked to report it. we rely very heavily on the early - very heavily on the early indications to us because we need to get that forensic examination done in terms of a blood test or you're in terms of a blood test or you're in test so it's important that victims come forward as early as they come. it does present challenges but many investigations do and it's something we will look into and investigate best as we can. spiking has been happening for

years, but with the police, politicians and the night—time industry all promising action, it is hoped we can all enjoy a safer night out. we'rejoined now by michael kill from the night time industries association. thanks for speaking to us this morning. just hearing in that report there that lots of people are very wary and they have changed their attitudes to going out. we started talking about this a couple of months ago. have venues, bars, clubs, been taking measures to make people safer over the last couple of months do you think?— months do you think? without a doubt. they've _ months do you think? without a doubt. they've taken _ months do you think? without a doubt. they've taken things - months do you think? without a | doubt. they've taken things very seriously and it has brought things to the top of the agenda. there's been a lot of work going on to perpetrate focused campaigns, not so much about victims and particularly the work in terms of the synergy between operator and police in ensuring that there is a consistent method in terms of processing the situations but i think the big focus

is we've enhanced what we are doing and enhanced surging and staff —— staff training and looked at wave training but also looked at the welfare position on site, so there's a lot of work that has gone into this and we are even hearing from certain police forces that they've seen a considerable drop in reports of spiking which is a positive position although we clearly understand there is a lot of work to do. ., understand there is a lot of work to do. . . , ., understand there is a lot of work to do. . ., , understand there is a lot of work to do. . .,, ., , .,, ., do. hearing as well from people that the are do. hearing as well from people that they are taking _ do. hearing as well from people that they are taking measures _ do. hearing as well from people that they are taking measures with - do. hearing as well from people that they are taking measures with their. they are taking measures with their own safety and there are those you're in tests supplied in various venues where people can supply a sample to see if they've been spiked or not with people being told to be careful and to report things to bar staff and the police as well and a lot of the emphasis is on the victims of spiking and what they need to do. how easy is it to catch the perpetrators of this crime? figs

the perpetrators of this crime? as ou the perpetrators of this crime? .th you can the perpetrators of this crime? is you can appreciate it it's not straightforward to catch anyone in a situation in terms of crime and what we need to do is make sure we have strong, robust deterrence and what we are doing in terms of things like enhancing cctv and ensuring staff are fully aware of what they are looking out for, but also asking people to keep an eye out, if they see something where they feel someone is unsafe or vulnerable, report it to the staff and the staff will deal with it. they are very much in tune with what is going on and there is a direct link to the police and we have welfare support on site so we have put in some robust mechanisms but we are very proactively driving towards catching perpetrators and we've seen that recently with some of the people who have been caught and have been brought to justice quite rightly sending a clear message to people who could even contemplate carrying out these heinous crimes. the who could even contemplate carrying out these heinous crimes.— out these heinous crimes. the home office is carrying _ out these heinous crimes. the home office is carrying out _ out these heinous crimes. the home office is carrying out a _ out these heinous crimes. the home office is carrying out a public- office is carrying out a public enquiry over the next month or so

into spiking. there is an online survey open at the moment until the 5th of january where people can go online and report their experiences of spiking to give the home office an idea of the size of the issue. what do you think should be the main focus of that public enquiry? i focus of that public enquiry? i think the thing is understanding the breadth of the issue and the environments they take place in and understanding the characteristics of the crime. one of the key things is the crime. one of the key things is the toxicology side. as you can appreciate, there are many tests out there where people are trying to capture or understand from urine tests, but if we have tests out there and don't understand the breath of toxicology and what is being used it makes it difficult to predetermine what tests will be useful, so it's that sort of information that is quite key and it also broadens the horizons in terms of our understanding so we can tackle these crimes head on, fully

informed, so i think it's a proactive position and something we have been asked to give evidence in and i'm very pleased to be taking part in that. and i'm very pleased to be taking part in that-— part in that. new year's eve tomorrow — part in that. new year's eve tomorrow and _ part in that. new year's eve tomorrow and people - part in that. new year's eve tomorrow and people will. part in that. new year's eve | tomorrow and people will be part in that. new year's eve - tomorrow and people will be heading out and having a few drinks in bars and clubs in england, not club not openin and clubs in england, not club not open in other parts of the uk, but what would your advice be to other people setting —— what would you advise be to people heading out to celebrate on new year's eve? is rare celebrate on new year's eve? as we sa to celebrate on new year's eve? as we say to many — celebrate on new year's eve? as we say to many people _ celebrate on new year's eve? as we say to many people when _ celebrate on new year's eve? as we say to many people when we - celebrate on new year's eve? as we say to many people when we talk i say to many people when we talk about people coming up, plan your night out, plan your way home, be aware of your surroundings and if you are feeling vulnerable or you see something that isn't right, report it to our staff. they will take it seriously. they will get the relevant support for those people and bring them into a safe space and support them through welfare or medical support and if an incident is occurring, we will involve the police but we are extremely proactive with these things and the police are very, very aware and proactively working on a local level with businesses to ensure they get the support that is needed and they

can quickly carry out an investigation if necessary to see if an incident has occurred. but at the moment we are in a very strong position and constantly reviewing our processes leading up to the home affairs committee enquiry which i think will be an important part of how we tackle this moving forward. michael, thank you very much. the chief executive of the night time industries association. stay with us. headlines next.

good morning. welcome to breakfast with ben thompson and katherine downes. our headlines today... guilty — ghislaine maxwell is convicted of recruiting and trafficking young girls to be sexually abused by the late american billionairejeffrey epstein — she faces the rest of her life in prison. the us attorney praises the women who came forward to give evidence against maxwell. their courage and willingness to face their abuser made today's result in this case possible. we'll look at what happens now for prince andrew, who is named in a lawsuit brought by a woman who says she was groomed by maxwell and abused by the prince — he denies the allegations. hospitals are asked to find 4,000 extra emergency beds in england to deal with a potential wave of omicron patients as admissions hit the highest levels since march. and a government promise has been made to get eight million lateral flow test kits

into pharmacies by tomorrow after reports of shortages. we'll meet the teacher who delivered the gift of a good night's sleep to 50 children this christmas as part of her campaign to tackle poverty in her home city of leeds. could we be heading towards the warmest new year's eve on record? exceptionally warm and that will continue into the start of 2022. the full forecast here on breakfast. it's thursday the 30th of december. our main story. ghislaine maxwell has been found guilty of grooming and trafficking underage girls for the convicted paedophilejeffrey epstein. jurors found her guilty of five of the six charges she faced. it means she could spend the rest of her life behind bars. aleem maqbool reports. court sketches show the moment ghislaine maxwell's victims have waited decades for.

after five days of deliberation, jurors decided she was guilty on five counts linked to the sexual abuse of teenagers. and it was four of her victims who helped put her behind bars. the court heard how ghislaine maxwell gained their trust. during their emotional testimony, they told the jury how she instructed them to give the latejeffrey epstein massages that turned sexual. all but one testified anonymously, using a pseudonym or just their first name. jane said maxwell participated in her encounters with epstein. "i was terrified and felt gross and ashamed. when you're iii, you have no idea what's going on," she said. kate said, after meeting epstein, maxwell asked her if she had fun, saying she was such a good girl and one of his favorites. and annie farmer, the only victim who publicly identified herself, said ghislaine maxwell gave her an unsolicited massage. she said, "i so badly wanted to get off the table

and have the massage be done." she's now said she's relieved at the verdict and that it shows even those with great power and privilege will be held accountable when they sexually abuse the young. defence lawyers attacked the accusers' memories and motives, but that ultimately didn't help ghilsaine maxwell. we firmly believe in ghislaine's innocence. obviously, we are very disappointed with the verdict. we have already started working on the appeal and we are confident that she will be vindicated. police raids of epstein's homes showed the duo's jet—setting luxurious lifestyle. in this photo, the pair are seen relaxing at the queen's balmoral residence when prince andrew reportedly invited the couple to the estate. the staggering wealth on display from their opulent properties only highlighted how they used their power together over the years to lure, intimidate and silence everyone around them.

house rules, including this manual, told staff to be deaf, dumb and blind, forbidding them from making eye contact with epstein. one of my clients said to me she has been _ one of my clients said to me she has been living _ one of my clients said to me she has been living in a metaphorical prison with the _ been living in a metaphorical prison with the psychological fallout of sexual— with the psychological fallout of sexual abuse, the deep shame, embarrassment and trauma she has experienced. now ghislaine maxwell will experience a real prison where she will— will experience a real prison where she will have a lot of time to think about— she will have a lot of time to think about the — she will have a lot of time to think about the profound damage she has caused _ about the profound damage she has caused to— about the profound damage she has caused to so many girls and young women _ ghisliane maxwell will be sentenced at a later date. but it seems extremely likely that she'll spend the rest of her life behind bars. a final fall from grace for the british former socialite, who a jury here has decided wasn't just a bystander to the crimes ofjeffrey epstein, but was herself a predator and an active participant in the sexual abuse of teenagers. aleem maqbool, bbc news in new york. earlier we spoke to our

correspondent nomia iqbal, who explained how significant this verdict is. this is hugely significant, particularly for the victims, the accusers of epstein and maxwell. this trial was built on the testimony of four women. that was the prosecution's case. the number of women that have come out to accuse the pair is in the dozens. for them it is a real victory as well. arguably one of the most high—profile accusers is virginia giuffre. she alleges she was abused by epstein and maxwell when she was a teenager. she tweeted a reaction when that verdict came out. she said... she has taken out a civil case against the duke of york, prince andrew. she alleges he abused her

when she was a teenager. that is due to be heard here in new york on january the 4th. prince andrew has always denied any wrongdoing. he told the bbc in an interview he had never met giuffre. buckingham palace has emphatically denied it as well, saying any suggestions of any impropriety with underage minors is categorically untrue. there has been a lot of praise, hasn't there, as a result of this verdict for the bravery of the victims who came forward and gave evidence? there has been. this has been a huge win for the government. bearing in mind, whenjeffrey killed himself two years ago while awaiting his own six trafficking trial, the spotlight fell on ghislaine maxwell. she disappeared from public view. lots of allegations came out

about her role in all of this. the fbi tracked her down to her home onjuly 2nd, 2020. she was arrested, charged and face multiple charges. she has been in a jail cell since then. witnesses came forward and gave testimony which led to her arrest. the us attorney has spoken out about this. he has spoken out after the verdict came through. the road tojustice has been far too long. todayjustice has been done. i want to commend the bravery of the girls, now grown women, who stepped out of the shadows and into the courtroom. their courage and willingness to face their abuser made today's result in this case possible. just to add that ghislaine maxwell is facing another trial, a perjury trial in new york.

she is accused of lying under oath in a deposition in regards tojeffrey epstein a few years ago. she also denies those charges. the trial of ghislaine maxwell is just one of the court cases in the us arising from the activities of the disgraced bankerjeffrey epstein, who died in prison after being charged with sex trafficking. the other is a civil law suit by virginia guiffre, formerly known as virginia roberts, against prince andrew alleging sexual assault. prince andrew has always strongly denied her claims. our royal correspondent nicolas witchell reports. caught by the camera in this now infamous photograph. on the left, prince andrew, in the centre, the then 17—year—old virginia roberts, and on the right, smiling for the camera, ghislaine maxwell. andrew's friendship with ghislaine maxwell goes back more than 20 years. here he is with her at royal ascot injune 2000. at the time, she was jeffrey epstein's girlfriend. epstein was there as well. he too was a guest of

prince andrew at royal ascot. andrew spoke about his friendship with epstein and his girlfriend ghislaine maxwell in his newsnight interview. in 2000, epstein was a guest at windsor castle and sandringham. he was brought right into the heart of the royal family at your invitation. but certainly at my invitation, not at the royal family's invitation. remember that it was his girlfriend that was the key element in this. he was the, as it were, plus one to some extent in that aspect. am i right in thinking you threw a birthday party for epstein's girlfriend, ghislaine maxwell, at sandringham? no, it was a shooting weekend. a shooting weekend. a straightforward shooting weekend. racing at ascot, shooting at sandringham, and a trip to balmoral. this photograph, an exhibit at maxwell's trial in new york, shows epstein and maxwell relaxing at the queen's balmoral estate.

they were there at andrew's invitation. andrew categorically denies knowing of any improper activities by epstein or anyone else. his lawyers are mounting a robust defence against the civil lawsuit brought against him in new york by virginia roberts, or virginia giuffre as she is now. in a submission to the court, andrew's legal team say the case should be dismissed. they say the allegations against him are baseless and motivated by giuffre's desire for a payday at his expense. whatever the truth of those allegations, it is clear andrew had a long lasting friendship with ghislaine maxwell. it was to her that andrew turned when virginia roberts's allegations surfaced. in january 2015, andrew e—mailed maxwell... "let me know when we can talk. got some specific questions to ask you about virginia roberts," he wrote. to which maxwell replied...

"have some info, call me when you have a moment." however, by the time andrew did his interview with newsnight, he seemed to want to distance himself from his old friend. if there are questions ghislaine has to answer, that's her problem, i'm afraid. i'm not in a position to be able to comment one way or the other. a court in new york has now delivered its verdict on ghislaine maxwell. in a few weeks, another court in new york will consider the civil lawsuit against prince andrew, brought by virginia giuffre. andrew's lawyers will once again plead his innocence of any impropriety. nicholas witchell, bbc news. a little earlier, we spoke to gloria allred, a lawyer representing some ofjeffrey epstein's accusers. she gave us her reaction to the verdict. none of this could have happened without the courage of the victims because they testified very bravely. they were cross—examined

vigorously by the defence. their motives were questioned and theyjust held their heads up and with dignity answered all of the questions. they made many sacrifices for the cause ofjustice and again, others who alleged they were victims also shared that information with law enforcement, as my clients did. as a result, miss maxwell was convicted. this does send a message to other sexual predators and those who were inspired to six traffic underage girls to them that this who were inspired to sex traffic underage girls to them that this will be taken very seriously, charges may be filed against you, you may be prosecuted, you may end up being sentenced to prison for the rest of your life as may be the case with miss maxwell. so beware and do not conspire with or become a sexual predator yourself because underage girls are very vulnerable,

they are easier to take advantage of and it is taken very seriously when they are preyed upon by adults who do know better. we're joined now by ghislaine maxwell's biographer, nigel cawthorn. nigel, welcome to breakfast. i want first of pull your reaction to the verdict overnight. i first of pull your reaction to the verdict overnight.— verdict overnight. i am not surprised- _ verdict overnight. i am not surprised. -- _ verdict overnight. i am not surprised. -- first - verdict overnight. i am not surprised. -- first of- verdict overnight. i am not surprised. -- first of all. i verdict overnight. i am not - surprised. -- first of all. earlier surprised. —— first of all. earlier on thejudge said surprised. —— first of all. earlier on the judge said if... surprised. —— first of all. earlier on thejudge said if... i am sorry about this. on the judge said if... i am sorry about this-— about this. that is all right. we will let you _ about this. that is all right. we will let you ten _ about this. that is all right. we will let you ten of _ about this. that is all right. we will let you ten of stop - about this. that is all right. we will let you ten of stop it - about this. that is all right. we will let you ten of stop it is - about this. that is all right. we will let you ten of stop it is the | will let you ten of stop it is the bbc calling me.— will let you ten of stop it is the bbc calling me. will let you ten of stop it is the bbc callin: me. ., ., bbc calling me. the 'udge earlier on said if she was — bbc calling me. the judge earlier on said if she was wilfully _ bbc calling me. the judge earlier on said if she was wilfully ignorant - bbc calling me. the judge earlier on said if she was wilfully ignorant of i said if she was wilfully ignorant of what epstein was up to she was complicit in it. the one thing we

knew from the beginning wasjeffrey epstein did have six with underage girls because he admitted so in court in 2008. the trial confirmed offences committed in 2005 when we have had evidence that ghislaine maxwell and epstein were practically joined at the hip. it is difficult to believe she did not know what was going on. there are a good deal of technicalities involved in specific charges brought in the pace which is why thejury charges brought in the pace which is why the jury has taken so long to reach its decision. i why the jury has taken so long to reach its decision.— why the jury has taken so long to reach its decision. i wonder because this has had — reach its decision. i wonder because this has had such _ reach its decision. i wonder because this has had such a _ reach its decision. i wonder because this has had such a high _ reach its decision. i wonder because this has had such a high profile - reach its decision. i wonder because this has had such a high profile on i this has had such a high profile on both sides of the atlantic. speculation this is not the last we will hear of ghislaine maxwell. heat will hear of ghislaine maxwell. next ear there will hear of ghislaine maxwell. next year there is — will hear of ghislaine maxwell. iiir year there is scheduled a perjury trial in this matter and, of course,

we have prints andrew's hearing on january the 4th. —— prince andrew. one of the reasons his lawyers are trying to get the case thrown out is over the jurisdiction of a manhattan court in this case. in the complaint, virginia giuffre said she was resident in colorado when the defence said she was living in australia. is defence said she was living in australia-— defence said she was living in australia. . , , ., ., australia. as we said you have written a _ australia. as we said you have written a biography _ australia. as we said you have written a biography of- australia. as we said you have l written a biography of ghislaine maxwell. i wonder what you have discovered about her character. who is she as a woman you have discovered writing this book? she had a ve discovered writing this book? esra: had a very difficult discovered writing this book? ’ier: had a very difficult upbringing. discovered writing this book? ema: had a very difficult upbringing. her father was a bit of a monster. when she was born, she was the youngest of the brood. her eldest brother had beenin of the brood. her eldest brother had been in a coma after a car accident, died. he was the apple of robert

maxwell's i and was set to take over maxwell's i and was set to take over maxwell's media empire. so ghislaine was practically ignored when she was a child, to the point when she was a few years old she went to her mother and said, mummy i exist. that is a bad start in life. she went on to work for herfather who bad start in life. she went on to work for her father who alternately bullied her and pampered her. it was a very difficult early life she had. good to talk to you this morning. that is the biographer of ghislaine maxwell. now for a look at whether. we have been talking about the warmest new year's day we have had. potentially, new year's eve as well. good morning. if you have not

stepped out already you will not be surprised to hear it is another warm one. the blustery conditions and mild conditions will continue for a few days. here are some of the temperatures now. by afternoon it will only be around seven, eight maximum. to go with it we have a lot of cloud with outbreaks of rain. darker blue in the north of scotland. outbreaks of rain and drizzle across the west of england and wales. another great day for many. the main heaviest across parts of wales and pushing back into northern england later. in scotland there will be some sunshine with only one or to showers. winds will come in from the south—west. gusts around the coast. the same wins will bring exceptionally conditions. temperatures peaking at 16, i7. bring exceptionally conditions. temperatures peaking at 16, 17. the heaviest rain coming to sit across

northern ireland, central and southern scotland, northern england. showers working across england and wales that they are of thunder with those. i have start as we head into new year's eve. the brightest weather in the far north of scotland. scotland, northern ireland and the far north of england continuing with cloud. sunshine tomorrow. tomorrow night cloud and patchy rain pushing into the west. as we start 2022, these are the temperatures, and usually mild. super heavy rain last night as well. look at that! a dry picture for the start of the year stop i have had enough of the rain. there will be some dry weather eventually. a bit drier and cooler. how long is eventually? middle part of

next week. thank you. seems like a long time to wait to me. eight temporary covid hubs are to be set up at hospitals across england in preparation for a potential wave of omicron admissions. nhs england says each site will have capacity for around 100 patients, and there are also plans to identify a further 4,000 beds if needed. meanwhile, almost 8 million test kits will be made available to pharmacies by tomorrow, amid warnings of patchy supplies following the changes to self—isolation rules. our health editor hugh pym reports. at the height of the pandemic in the spring of 2020, a network of so—called nightingale hospitals were set up in england at conference centres and other sites to cope with an anticipated surge of covid patients. scotland, wales and northern ireland made similar arrangements. but they were not extensively used with major hospitals preferring to retain their staff to look after covid patients, rather than lend them to the nightingales. this time, temporary structures

will be set up in the grounds of eight hospitals in england. the idea is it will be easier to deploy staff and provide access to diagnostics and emergency care. areas such as gyms and education centres could be converted or prefabricated units set up in car parks. they would accommodate patients close to being discharged and who would need minimal support, including those recovering from covid who are no longer infectious. the plan is to create 4,000 extra beds to add to the current total of about 100,000. the health secretary sajid javid said he hoped the surge hubs would not have to be used but it was right to prepare for all scenarios and increase capacity. nhs england said it wasn't yet known how many of those who caught the virus would need hospital treatment but with rising infections it wasn't possible to wait to find out. the nhs was now on a war footing. all this comes at a time when nhs trusts are under pressure because of sickness absence.

some staff said they can't get pcr or lateral flow tests to get back to work and others have also reported shortages of testing capacity. health chiefs admit it's a problem but say they are addressing it. we do recognise there are some difficulties across the country, both in pharmacies and with home testing requests. we do release and are continuing to release test slots for individuals and so they should just keep trying through the day. obviously, as the christmas period subsides, then the testing capacity should be more available to them. we do have good supplies and we will be endeavouring to get those to the right places. the uk health security agency said almost 8 million lateral flow test kits would be supplied to pharmacies by new year's eve. people wanting pcr tests should keep checking the official website as more slots were being made available each day. hugh pym, bbc news.

we're joined now by our political correspondent peter saull. pete, eight million lateral flow tests are to be available at pharmacies by tomorrow. is it possible? what more can you tell us? chemists have been saying supplies of lateral flow test have been patchy, to say the least. 8 million also testing kits should be in delivered as we speak. things are improving in terms of online, what you can book online. i told you and i so ago you could not but lateral flow tests that you now can on the nhs website. that bit more difficult for pcr tests. there is limited availability at sites up and down the country, none in the north—east of england. a better situation on the other home nations, wales,

scotland and northern ireland. there are appointments available. all of this matters a great deal because as he was saying in his report, there are people in the nhs of work, people across the economy off work, self isolating without knowing if they actually have coronavirus. that is having a big impact across public services and many different businesses. yesterday we were told by the prime minister to continue to exercise caution, get a lateral flow test before heading out for new year's eve festivities tomorrow evening. labour is saying the messaging from the government, be cautious throughout all of this, is being undermined by what they say is the incompetence of the conservative government in sorting out the problems with tests. the line from a government source we have had into the bbc is, yes there is a unprecedented demand but there is also unprecedented supply. more

testing going on in the uk than any other european country, they say. yesterday we heard from a conservative mp who said he had been speaking with health secretary savage javid who speaking with health secretary savagejavid who told him there was no quick fix for the issue. —— sajid javid. no quick fix for the issue. -- sa'id javid. ., ~' , ., no quick fix for the issue. -- sa'id javid. ., ~' ,, ., no quick fix for the issue. -- sa'id javid. . ,, ., , ., ., javid. thank you for the update on the availability _ javid. thank you for the update on the availability pcr _ javid. thank you for the update on the availability pcr tests - javid. thank you for the update on the availability pcr tests and - the availability pcr tests and lateral flow tests. saying they are available on the website if you want to order and lateral flow but experience tells us they tend to go pretty quickly. pcr tests are very difficult to come by. time now to get the news, travel and weather where you are. hello, here are the top stories in london and the south east this morning. hospitals in kent and london are among a number set to accomodate new covid hubs — in case record numbers of positive tests translate into more people needing treatment. st george's in tooting and the william harvey in ashford

are among eight hospitals that will home the new so—called nightingale hubs. nhs trusts are also trying to find suitable sites for another 4,000 beds. terrorists who planned attacks in london and kent are among nearly 100 being considered for release from prison by the parole board. one of the cases under review is nazam hussain, who plotted alongside london bridge terrorist usman khan. a decision is also expected on whether to release jawad akbar, one of five men who wanted to bomb bluewater shopping centre in kent in 2001i. more than a third of fire engines in london were out of action over christmas as omicron hit staffing numbers. london fire brigade says the impact of covid on its staffing levels has reached a 'critical point�*. at the start of this week 15 percent of firefighters were self—isolating and not available to work. surrey police say a lorry�*s windscreen has been damaged by objects thrown onto the m25.

it's after reports young people were throwing large pieces of wood onto the motorway on tuesday afternoon, near clacket lane services. it's thought around 50,000 homes could be affected by a bin strike that's set to go ahead in eastbourne tomorrow, after a number of drivers voted for industrial action in a row over pay and conditions. walkouts are also planned for next friday and the following monday — and union bosses say there could be more. eastbourne council say the strikes are wholly unnecessary. a van used to fly tip household waste near maidstone has been seized by police. officers were called to penenden heath on boxing day after reports of a vehicle stuck in the mud near to dumped rubbish and old toys. two men were questioned at the scene. public health experts in brighton and hove are urging people to get their covid booster vaccinations, and enjoy a "jabby new year". more than 107,000 people in the city

have had the booster — with pre—booked appointments and walk—in sessions available every day this week. let's take a look at the weather now with kate kinsella. it's an exceptionally mild start. temperatures stayed in the mid teens overnight. a misty start for some on the south coast and cloudy elsewhere. you can't rule out a light shower and also breezy, with the south—westerly wind especially gusty along the channel coast but temperatures 15, maybe 16 celsius and it will be another mild night as well. we still have the cloud overnight and cannot rule out patchy, light rain but with drier spells it remains breezy overnight and as we head into friday morning you might hear a rumble of thunder and temperatures dropping between 10 and i2 celsius, so staying in double figures. tomorrow, a drier day, sunny spells late and overnight on new year's eve it looks dry and mild.

hello, this is breakfast with ben thompson and katherine downes. the british socialite, ghislaine maxwell has been found guilty of recruiting and trafficking young girls to be sexually abused by the late american financierjeffrey epstein. the jury took five days to reach its verdict, finding her guilty on five counts, including the most serious charge of sex trafficking a minor. the conviction means she could spend the rest of her life behind bars. the trial of ghislaine maxwell is just one of the court cases in the us arising from the activities ofjeffrey epstein, who died in prison in 2019 after being charged with sex trafficking. the other is a civil lawsuit by virginia guiffre, formerly known as virginia roberts, against prince andrew — alleging sexual assault. prince andrew has always strongly denied her claims.

the next hearing in the case is january 4th. eight temporary covid hubs are to be set up at hospitals across england in preparation for a potential wave of omicron admissions. nhs england says each site will have capacity for around 100 patients, and there are also plans to identify a further 4,000 beds if needed. meanwhile, almost 8 million test kits will be made available to pharmacies by tomorrow, amid warnings of patchy supplies following the changes to self—isolation rules. nhs staff in hospitals in england say they're going hungry during their shifts because hot food is not available 21i hours a day. doctors and nurses working long hours, under difficult conditions, say they're often faced with empty vending machines, especially when on overnight shifts. last year, an independent review in to hospital food for patients and staff found that kitchen facilities needed to be upgraded. andrew plant has the details.

in the past, it has often been food for patients causing hospital catering to make the headlines. but now it is pictures like these, posted on social media. nhs staff finding there is simply no food to be found beside a few lonely snacks and a vending machine. this doctor tweeting on a monday night, four of four and i see you and there's been no sandwiches since friday. working in the nhs anyway. _ no sandwiches since friday. working in the nhs anyway, the _ no sandwiches since friday. working in the nhs anyway, the honours --| in the nhs anyway, the honours —— ours are quite long and the conditions are quite stressful and the provision in some places, some hospitals, is nonexistent, so if you don't bring your own food to work there is a good chance you could go hungry overnight. often nhs staff are not getting the kind of nutrition they need when they are working those really punishing, long shifts. ,, ., ,, , ., working those really punishing, long shifts. ,, .,~ , ., , shifts. nhs workers have been sillin: shifts. nhs workers have been spilling the — shifts. nhs workers have been spilling the beans _ shifts. nhs workers have been spilling the beans online - shifts. nhs workers have been spilling the beans online with l shifts. nhs workers have been i spilling the beans online with one saying no change in 50 years and night staff never get fed properly.

another added it is shocking that health care workers are left with nutrition options. this podiatrist has started a campaign for better food for nhs workers.— has started a campaign for better food for nhs workers. mental health issues have gone _ food for nhs workers. mental health issues have gone up _ food for nhs workers. mental health issues have gone up as _ food for nhs workers. mental health issues have gone up as a _ food for nhs workers. mental health issues have gone up as a result. - food for nhs workers. mental health issues have gone up as a result. we | issues have gone up as a result. we are all very stressed. they are going through so much and they are sacrificing so much and that shouldn't be the case and this is why i am doing this, because i care so much about them. in why i am doing this, because i care so much about them.— why i am doing this, because i care so much about them. in october last ear, so much about them. in october last year. celebrity _ so much about them. in october last year, celebrity chef _ so much about them. in october last year, celebrity chef prue _ so much about them. in october last year, celebrity chef prue lisa - year, celebrity chef prue lisa reviewed nhs food recommending the government of a hot food around the government of a hot food around the government for patients and staff —— prue leith. although some staff have access to overnight canteens, so far nhs workers have not seen much improved. the 24—hour hot food campaign hopes to change that and persuade hospital trusts to offer healthy, hot food options to all of

their staff, whatever shift they might be working. we'rejoined now by chef dame prue leith, who last year led an independent review into nhs hospitalfood for patients and staff. lovely to see you. good morning to you. stories about empty vending machines, staff not getting the food they need during the long night shifts. was that your experience when you are leading the independent review? what did you see when you were in hospital? to review? what did you see when you were in hospital?— were in hospital? to be honest we saw an absolute _ were in hospital? to be honest we saw an absolute mix. _ were in hospital? to be honest we saw an absolute mix. we - were in hospital? to be honest we saw an absolute mix. we saw - were in hospital? to be honest we| saw an absolute mix. we saw some disgraceful situations, like your nurses and doctors have described, and we saw some really good things. there are hospitals who do it right and one of the recommendations was that we should use the hospitals that we should use the hospitals that do it right and they should be influences on other hospitals. i

have to say i am a little disappointed at the speed of progress, but that is understandable when so many trusts and hospitals and all the focus is on covid. the sooner we get nurses and doctors and all of the support staff fed at night when they need it, the better the service will be on the sooner we tackle it, the better, so i rather welcome this new campaign saying, come on, let's do something about this. in many cases it's not that difficult to do. things like empty vending machines are disgraceful, but what we recommended was that they have better vending machines which serves hot food and healthy food and if possible it should not be vending machines at all, it should be a catering service or a

nice relaxed place where doctors and nurses and other staff can heat up their own soup, make toast, do dinners and have somewhere to sit down and relax for five minutes while they eat. we hear too many stories about eating a sandwich in a corridor. it's not good for health and it's not good for mental health either. is. and it's not good for mental health either. �* ., ., and it's not good for mental health either. . ., ., , , , either. a lot of people will be very surrised either. a lot of people will be very surprised that _ either. a lot of people will be very surprised that this _ either. a lot of people will be very surprised that this is _ either. a lot of people will be very surprised that this is happening i surprised that this is happening because you assume if there are patients in their 21i hours a day there is a kitchen operating 21i hours a day and that is available. and what is interesting about the report is that it is looking at not only provision for patients, but also for the staff who are often overlooked.— also for the staff who are often overlooked. , ., . ., overlooked. yes, what we recommended was, and overlooked. yes, what we recommended was. and some — overlooked. yes, what we recommended was. and some of— overlooked. yes, what we recommended was, and some of this _ overlooked. yes, what we recommended was, and some of this can't _ overlooked. yes, what we recommended was, and some of this can't happen - was, and some of this can't happen overnight because it requires physical building. we think all hospitals should have board kitchens or at least a kitchen on every floor so not only patients but the nurses can get something to eat in the

middle of the night. if you've come round from an operation and you finally woken up and you are hungry and it happens to be 3am, you still need some food to eat. you can't be told, sorry, you have to wait until tomorrow. and nurses on a 12 hour shift need some sustenance in the middle of it. so if we have very good ward kitchens or at least kitchens on every floor that can accommodate making an omelette or heating up a ready meal, or making toast, one of those comforting things you need and always with healthy food available, it should be possible and there are hospitals that are doing it. i was talking yesterday at the ashford and st peter's trust and a year ago when we had just produced the report that they had to absolutely do something.

and they got rid of their caterers and took the matter is in the house and took the matter is in the house and hired a really good chef and put money into training and they had an all—night service in a sense. they don't keep the whole restaurant open for visitors and staff, which has now been so successful because the food is so good that they have no room for the visitors. when the visitors come back after covid, they will have a real problem, because they have doubled their number of people that they have served, and the staff love it because it is accessible and in the middle of the night, what they do if they have takeaway meals that they can heat up on the ward kitchens, if they want to... ., ., ., ,, , ., , to... you mentioned a keyword. money and investment — to... you mentioned a keyword. money and investment from _ to... you mentioned a keyword. money and investment from hospital _ to... you mentioned a keyword. money and investment from hospital trusts, i and investment from hospital trusts, putting in kitchens that can provide

healthy food and some hospital trusts will say there so financially stretched trying to provide care for patients that we cannot afford to do this. it patients that we cannot afford to do this. ., patients that we cannot afford to do this. . , , ., ., this. it all depends on the attitude ofthe this. it all depends on the attitude of the bosses _ this. it all depends on the attitude of the bosses of _ this. it all depends on the attitude of the bosses of the _ this. it all depends on the attitude of the bosses of the trusts - this. it all depends on the attitude of the bosses of the trusts and - this. it all depends on the attitudej of the bosses of the trusts and the ceos of the hospitals. i found of the bosses of the trusts and the ceos of the hospitals. ifound over and over again when you have somebody at the top of an organisation who really believes that food as medicine, that it is important for staff to be properly fed, and some of the money does come from their own budgets but the government has made money available for change in kitchens, because a lot of kitchens now need refurbishment and some of them have been refurbished in nearly li0 years. so there is money therefore that, and they apply for it and if they put a good case they get it. there's a lot of good stuff going on and i think the reason i believe this time

we will get, maybe not fast enough, but we will get improvement, is because this time it has been led by the nhs. we have had a hospital review and they have nutritionist doctors and administrators and caterers, all from within the nhs said it, so they know it can be done. they are doing it in their own hospitals and they are called the expert panel now and they are leading the charge. i have to say i'm disappointed it is not going faster and even if you try to get a visit to a hospital, it's impossible because you can't let people in. a lot is being deferred until after covid which is a pity, but there you are. ., y ., , , ,

are. lovely for being with us this mornin: , are. lovely for being with us this morning. prue — are. lovely for being with us this morning, prue leith _ are. lovely for being with us this morning, prue leith and - are. lovely for being with us this morning, prue leith and good i are. lovely for being with us this i morning, prue leith and good luck with the work that will make a huge difference. prue leith who was involved in that report into catering facilities not only for patients but for staff working pretty long hours, as we know, particularly over the last couple of years. ili,000 children across leeds slept in their own beds last night, thanks to the tireless work of their teacher. three years ago, bex wilson set up a charity to provide beds for young people, when she discovered some of her pupils were sleeping on the floor. but with rising food and energy bills and the end of the universal credit uplift, there's increasing demand for support. let's take a look at the work she does. tell me what made a difference for getting the new beds. you tell me what made a difference for getting the new beds.— getting the new beds. you like it. wh do getting the new beds. you like it. why do you _ getting the new beds. you like it. why do you like _ getting the new beds. you like it. why do you like it? _ getting the new beds. you like it. why do you like it? it's _ getting the new beds. you like it. why do you like it? it's comfy. i getting the new beds. you like it. | why do you like it? it's comfy. we have 'ust why do you like it? it's comfy. we have just pulled _ why do you like it? it's comfy. we have just pulled up _ why do you like it? it's comfy. we have just pulled up at _ why do you like it? it's comfy. we have just pulled up at key - why do you like it? it's comfy. we have just pulled up at key storage j have just pulled up at key storage where the beds and bed bundle items are. we arejust where the beds and bed bundle items are. we are just packing where the beds and bed bundle items are. we arejust packing up where the beds and bed bundle items are. we are just packing up the two vans. with all of our beds and

mattresses. and we are getting out the pyjamas and duvets for all of our children who are getting beds today, so it will be i! our children who are getting beds today, so it will be 11 beds in total with i! today, so it will be 11 beds in total with 11 bed bundle is going on. let's get these beds out to children in time for christmas. there are the beds going on. in october my five children were sleeping on air beds because we could not afford to get them beds so we got them a new beds, bedding and pyjamas meaning they had somewhere safe and nice to sleep. thea;r pyjamas meaning they had somewhere safe and nice to sleep.— safe and nice to sleep. they were so excited when — safe and nice to sleep. they were so excited when they _ safe and nice to sleep. they were so excited when they got _ safe and nice to sleep. they were so excited when they got these - safe and nice to sleep. they were so excited when they got these and - safe and nice to sleep. they were so excited when they got these and it l excited when they got these and it has made — excited when they got these and it has made such a difference to them. meaning _ has made such a difference to them. meaning that they get a good nights sleep which also has an impact on their— sleep which also has an impact on their schooling and they are now doing _ their schooling and they are now doing really well at school and are able to _ doing really well at school and are able to concentrate much better. what _ able to concentrate much better. what did — able to concentrate much better. what did you think of the bed when you first saw them?— what did you think of the bed when you first saw them?- happy!

bex joins us now. good morning. nice to see you. we looked at some of the stuff you were doing there, which is how you spend your christmas eve, so take us back quickly to of this started. how did you become aware that a lot of the kitchen you were sleeping on the floor at night? i kitchen you were sleeping on the floor at night?— kitchen you were sleeping on the floor at night? i was 'ust teaching a lesson as normal, _ floor at night? i was just teaching a lesson as normal, as _ floor at night? i was just teaching a lesson as normal, as many - floor at night? i was just teaching - a lesson as normal, as many teachers do in yearsix, a lesson as normal, as many teachers do in year six, just before the sat exams and drilling down on some of the basics and a little boy didn't have a good morning and he was unusually irritated and i kept him behind and i said ifeel like unusually irritated and i kept him behind and i said i feel like you are tired. he said i'm always tired. i don't have a bed and i've always worked in an area of high deprivation, but for a child to be so blunt and clear about it was a shock and then i went on to find

that lots of things are available to us in leeds, brilliant third sector organisations on the council doing a greatjob, but i couldn't do anything or access anything that meant this child could have a bed by the end of that we call that month and that didn't seem right in the zist and that didn't seem right in the 21st century when we are finding out children don't have anywhere to sleep, sleeping on an old sofa cushion on a cold tiled floor, sharing with his two siblings and he had a bed on his tummy because the sofa cushion was invested and they had no furniture or food sofa cushion was invested and they had no furniture orfood in sofa cushion was invested and they had no furniture or food in the house. we went on to support that mum and we bought her some beds and then helped her with some second hand furniture, much to the boys delight, and a tv screen, and other bits and pieces and obviously food and that mum came back to us a few weeks later and had managed to get herself a job and enrolled in couege herself a job and enrolled in college and she came back to some tried to give money back for the beds, which we honestly did not take and she said, i want you to do what

you've done for me for other families and i did some research into bed property and it was estimated over 400,000 children in the uk, up to 400,000, might not havea bed. the uk, up to 400,000, might not have a bed. i had never heard of bed poverty and it was not something i knew about. but now, based on my inbox everyday there are people over the uk, places i've never heard of and places you wouldn't think would happen, saying there is a child in my class who does not have a bed, so what can we do? fight! my class who does not have a bed, so what can we do?— what can we do? and it wasn't how ou are what can we do? and it wasn't how you are planning — what can we do? and it wasn't how you are planning on _ what can we do? and it wasn't how you are planning on spending - what can we do? and it wasn't how you are planning on spending your| you are planning on spending your christmas eve, was it? what made it so vital that you headed out onto the streets on christmas eve specifically to deliver the beds? i couldn't enjoy family christmas knowing there were children sat in my inbox, referrals in the inbox, with children that did not have a bed and as i read through them they were desperate, children sleeping on beanbags, and floors and that wasn't an option. we had the vans ready and

the brilliant, brilliant team of volunteers ready to go, so why would we not make sure that we made sure those children had a bed? iirat’hat we not make sure that we made sure those children had a bed?— those children had a bed? what does it take to get — those children had a bed? what does it take to get this _ those children had a bed? what does it take to get this logistically - it take to get this logistically together, to be able to do what you are doing? a huge team of people working really hard to make it happen but you need a lot of buying from a lot of people.— from a lot of people. absolutely. it is a full city — from a lot of people. absolutely. it is a full city effort _ from a lot of people. absolutely. it is a full city effort and _ from a lot of people. absolutely. it is a full city effort and we - from a lot of people. absolutely. it is a full city effort and we have - from a lot of people. absolutely. it is a full city effort and we have a i is a full city effort and we have a harbour in dewsbury and one in romford in essex and we hope we can build and roll out the hubs but it is a lie —— a logistical nightmare because i was naive thinking there was no bed poverty charities and the mattresses have to be new and that is expensive and they are large and it's difficult to store, so my naivety led me to set the charity up and now i know why no one else has done it now, but i believably come together as a society and the right people hear about how rife bed properties and how commonplace it

is, we can make a difference, just like we have the national food strategy that prue leith was part of, we can have a national sleep strategy. it's a complex issue and there are lots of causes and professionals come across children without beds and they have a way of dealing with that and we can equip professionals to spot the signs and symptoms and it's an approach to dealing with sleep. we all know how we are if we are deprived of sleep per night. over a long period of time if you don't have a bed, the ability for that child to learn in any classroom, however well the school is spending the pupil premium or the covid catch—up fun, they don't have a full tummy and a good night sleep they won't be at their best to low and education is the only way these children will break the cycle of poverty. the playing field will not be level until we know the children have a bed to sleep in and food to eat. the

national food strategy has got a really long way in making changes and marcus rashford, brilliantjob in doing that and now we need the same for sleep. we know it is so important to mental health, physical health and we now need to do the same and hopefully we will soon start a petition and hear back from parliament seen on a petition that will allow us to get the right people hearing the message. physically, sleep is important, and the ability to go to school and learn. but psychologically, when you deliver a bed to a child and they have a bed of their own, that must make an enormous difference to them as well? it make an enormous difference to them as well? ., , , ., as well? it does. the mums and schools follow _ as well? it does. the mums and schools follow up _ as well? it does. the mums and schools follow up with _ as well? it does. the mums and schools follow up with lovely - schools follow up with lovely e—mails and messages and thank youse to us which is amazing. even at the point of handing over the beds, we deliver with a brand—new mattress, bed based pyjamas, duvet covers and a pillowcase and all of that new gorgeous stuff in, these families are often in the depths a poverty crisis and something brand—new and

gorgeous being delivered to them kick—starts that hope, changes the trajectory and that's really important and that's the main thing and the children never cease to amaze me by how excited they get about a toothbrush and a pair of pyjamas. about a toothbrush and a pair of - 'amas. ., . , about a toothbrush and a pair of - 'amas. ., ., , ., about a toothbrush and a pair of - 'amas. ., . , ., , about a toothbrush and a pair of - 'amas. ., ., , ., , ., pyjamas. you have been doing this a while now. have _ pyjamas. you have been doing this a while now. have you _ pyjamas. you have been doing this a while now. have you noticed - pyjamas. you have been doing this a while now. have you noticed a - pyjamas. you have been doing this a l while now. have you noticed a change question that has got better or worse in the time you have provided the service? if worse in the time you have provided the service?— the service? if the pandemic has tau~ht us the service? if the pandemic has taught us anything _ the service? if the pandemic has taught us anything is _ the service? if the pandemic has taught us anything is that - the service? if the pandemic has taught us anything is that all - the service? if the pandemic has taught us anything is that all of. the service? if the pandemic has i taught us anything is that all of us only one bad day or one moment away from leading the kind of help that we give. and whether it is a result of the pandemic directly or the increase in families fleeing domestic abuse, we have definitely seen an increase in requests and referrals coming in. it wasn'tjust me delivering 50 beds as i was very busyin me delivering 50 beds as i was very busy in school that week and i did a few on the saturday but a massive team helped that week but it's only going up, and whenever we've had something in the newspaper or

whatever about it, the difference has been more referrals coming in and the more people that hear about is the more people want to use the service. ., , ., is the more people want to use the service. . , ., ., is the more people want to use the service. . i. ., , ., , ., service. have you got plans to exand service. have you got plans to expand the — service. have you got plans to expand the service _ service. have you got plans to expand the service quite - service. have you got plans to| expand the service quite mock service. have you got plans to i expand the service quite mock i service. have you got plans to - expand the service quite mock i know you hope families with foods but as you hope families with foods but as you and the food, do you notice any areas you plan to address or is it bedsis areas you plan to address or is it beds is a specific issue? i areas you plan to address or is it beds is a specific issue?- beds is a specific issue? i think beds is a specific issue? i think bed poverty — beds is a specific issue? i think bed poverty is _ beds is a specific issue? i think bed poverty is there _ beds is a specific issue? i think bed poverty is there are - beds is a specific issue? i think bed poverty is there are not. beds is a specific issue? i think i bed poverty is there are not many other third sector organisations addressing and that is the thing we do, but we also gain the trust of families and being able to support them with food, utility bills, we also have a stage after those emergency food parcels where we help families to financial independence we have a food club where they pay £3 50 each week and they get £20 of food. and the next food you see a school uniform exchange and that's one of the issues that families are saying. as and when we count we will

respond, but linking with other partnerships is key and a national street strategy would formalise that partnership. i street strategy would formalise that artnershi -. ., �* street strategy would formalise that --artnershi. ., �* ,, ., street strategy would formalise that --artnershi. ,, ., ., street strategy would formalise that --artnershi. ., �* ,, ., ., partnership. i don't know how you have time to _ partnership. i don't know how you have time to do _ partnership. i don't know how you have time to do this _ partnership. i don't know how you have time to do this and - partnership. i don't know how you have time to do this and be - partnership. i don't know how you have time to do this and be a - have time to do this and be a teacher as well. it’s have time to do this and be a teacher as well.— have time to do this and be a teacher as well. it's a brilliant family and — teacher as well. it's a brilliant family and a _ teacher as well. it's a brilliant family and a great _ teacher as well. it's a brilliant family and a great team. - teacher as well. it's a brilliant| family and a great team. bex, teacher as well. it's a brilliant - family and a great team. bex, thanks for cominu family and a great team. bex, thanks for coming in — family and a great team. bex, thanks for coming in to _ family and a great team. bex, thanks for coming in to talk— family and a great team. bex, thanks for coming in to talk to _ family and a great team. bex, thanks for coming in to talk to us _ family and a great team. bex, thanks for coming in to talk to us and - family and a great team. bex, thanks for coming in to talk to us and it's - for coming in to talk to us and it's really interesting to hear from you and such incredible work. really nice to see you. fascinating to speak to you this morning. up until the day she died in 2013, anne williams fought tirelessly for justice for her 15 year old son kevin, who died in the hillsborough disaster. a new mini—series, made by the team behind line of duty, will look at her campaigning, and how she would stop at nothing for justice for the 97 who lost their lives. let's take a look. i haven't collected kevin's death certificate, and i won't. not until they give us the truth. i'm sorry.

cani can i summarise, ed? yes, by all means. can i summarise, ed? yes, by all means- anne _ can i summarise, ed? yes, by all means. anne has _ can i summarise, ed? yes, by all means. anne has witnesses - can i summarise, ed? yes, by all means. anne has witnesses who | can i summarise, ed? yes, by all. means. anne has witnesses who say her son kevin _ means. anne has witnesses who say her son kevin was _ means. anne has witnesses who say her son kevin was alive _ means. anne has witnesses who say her son kevin was alive after - means. anne has witnesses who say her son kevin was alive after the - her son kevin was alive after the supposed — her son kevin was alive after the supposed 3:15pm _ her son kevin was alive after the supposed 3:15pm cut—off- her son kevin was alive after the supposed 3:15pm cut—off point i her son kevin was alive after the i supposed 3:15pm cut—off point and both supposed 3:i5pm cut—off point and both witnesses— supposed 3:i5pm cut—off point and both witnesses say— supposed 3:15pm cut—off point and both witnesses say they _ supposed 3:15pm cut—off point and both witnesses say they felt - supposed 3:15pm cut—off point and both witnesses say they felt a - supposed 3:15pm cut—off point andl both witnesses say they felt a pulse and one _ both witnesses say they felt a pulse and one of— both witnesses say they felt a pulse and one of them _ both witnesses say they felt a pulse and one of them says _ both witnesses say they felt a pulse and one of them says they- both witnesses say they felt a pulse and one of them says they saw- both witnesses say they felt a pulse l and one of them says they saw kevin convulsing _ and one of them says they saw kevin convulsing on — and one of them says they saw kevin convulsing on the _ and one of them says they saw kevin convulsing on the other— and one of them says they saw kevin convulsing on the other said - and one of them says they saw kevin convulsing on the other said he - convulsing on the other said he actually— convulsing on the other said he actually spoke _ convulsing on the other said he actually spoke.— convulsing on the other said he actually spoke. really? who are these witnesses? _ actually spoke. really? who are these witnesses? these - actually spoke. really? who are these witnesses? these are - actually spoke. really? who are i these witnesses? these are serving olice these witnesses? these are serving police officers _ these witnesses? these are serving police officers they _ these witnesses? these are serving police officers they are _ these witnesses? these are serving police officers they are on - these witnesses? these are serving police officers they are on the - these witnesses? these are serving police officers they are on the day. | police officers they are on the day. suppose _ police officers they are on the day. suppose kevin— police officers they are on the day. suppose kevin had _ police officers they are on the day. suppose kevin had been— police officers they are on the day. suppose kevin had been killed - police officers they are on the day. suppose kevin had been killed in i police officers they are on the day. suppose kevin had been killed in a traffic— suppose kevin had been killed in a traffic accident, _ suppose kevin had been killed in a traffic accident, not _ suppose kevin had been killed in a traffic accident, not a _ suppose kevin had been killed in a traffic accident, not a football- traffic accident, not a football match? — traffic accident, not a football match? his— traffic accident, not a football match? his inquest— traffic accident, not a football match? his inquest would - traffic accident, not a football. match? his inquest would have traffic accident, not a football- match? his inquest would have looked at everything. — match? his inquest would have looked at everything, including _ match? his inquest would have looked at everything, including the _ at everything, including the after-care _ at everything, including the after—care stop— at everything, including the after—care stop yet - at everything, including the after—care stop yet with - after—care stop yet with hillsborough, _ after—care stop yet with hillsborough, the - after—care stop yet with l hillsborough, the coroner after—care stop yet with - hillsborough, the coroner is refusing _ hillsborough, the coroner is refusing to _ hillsborough, the coroner is refusing to look _ hillsborough, the coroner is refusing to look at - hillsborough, the coroner is refusing to look at any - hillsborough, the coroner is - refusing to look at any evidence after _ refusing to look at any evidence after 315 — refusing to look at any evidence after 315 why? _ refusing to look at any evidence after 315. why? in _ refusing to look at any evidence after 315. why? in doing - refusing to look at any evidence after 315. why? in doing that, l refusing to look at any evidence i after 315. why? in doing that, the coroner— after 315. why? in doing that, the coroner is — after 315. why? in doing that, the coroner is denying _ after 315. why? in doing that, the coroner is denying these - after 315. why? in doing that, the coroner is denying these people i after 315. why? in doing that, the i coroner is denying these people the basic understanding _ coroner is denying these people the basic understanding as _ coroner is denying these people the basic understanding as to _ coroner is denying these people the basic understanding as to whether i basic understanding as to whether their loved — basic understanding as to whether their loved ones— basic understanding as to whether their loved ones could _ basic understanding as to whether their loved ones could have - basic understanding as to whether their loved ones could have been.

their loved ones could have been saved _ actor claire calbraith plays the hillsborough campaigner, sheila coleman, who we just saw in that clip. and shejoins us now. lovely to speak to you. this looks like a hugely powerful series. why was it that she wanted to be involved? you have very clear memories, don't you, of the hillsborough disaster.- memories, don't you, of the hillsborough disaster. yes, i do. i was 15 at the _ hillsborough disaster. yes, i do. i was 15 at the time, _ hillsborough disaster. yes, i do. i was 15 at the time, the _ hillsborough disaster. yes, i do. i was 15 at the time, the same - hillsborough disaster. yes, i do. i was 15 at the time, the same age | hillsborough disaster. yes, i do. i. was 15 at the time, the same age as kevin and a liverpool supporter, as were most of my friends, so it was a really clear memory of that weekend. i was speaking to an old friend of mine yesterday who reminded me there were no mobile phones, so her brother was at the match and there was no way of contacting him. so the panic was crippling. in a way, when ifirst heard about

panic was crippling. in a way, when i first heard about the project i was a bit nervous about it because you want to make sure this stuff is done right and sensitively and respectfully and when i was convinced that is how it would be done because it was that writer and director, at that point, i felt it was a really important thing to do. and here we are more than 30 years after that terrible tragedy. as you said, you have memories of it and there will be a whole generation of people who know very little about that disaster. how important is it to tell that story and tell it in this way?— to tell that story and tell it in this wa ? . . ., . ., this way? the narrative that came out straight _ this way? the narrative that came out straight after _ this way? the narrative that came out straight after hillsborough - this way? the narrative that camel out straight after hillsborough was so powerful, the false narrative, that people still believe it. there are still people who believe it now. there were hillsborough chance at

football matches and it is vital that we tell the story. we talk about it happening 30 years ago but it started 30 years ago it didn't end then and it didn't end for those families and it still hasn't. yeah, i think it is the right time to tell the story and it is the time that anne and's family wants to tell the story, so that is the most important thing. story, so that is the most important thin. ., ., .,, ., ,~/ thing. how important was it to you that the project — thing. how important was it to you that the project had _ thing. how important was it to you that the project had the _ thing. how important was it to you that the project had the support i thing. how important was it to you that the project had the support ofj that the project had the support of anne's family? it that the project had the support of anne's family?— anne's family? it was a deal-breaker. - anne's family? it was a deal-breaker. i - anne's family? it was a deal-breaker. i don't i anne's family? it was a i deal-breaker. i don't want anne's family? it was a - deal-breaker. i don't want to anne's family? it was a _ deal-breaker. i don't want to speak deal—breaker. i don't want to speak to anybody else but i think i probably can that if anne's family were not on board with this, we would have walked away. itjust wouldn't have happened. most of us on that set had some sort of connection to hillsborough or to liverpool. nobody took it lightly

and i'm pretty sure that itjust wouldn't have happened. hagar wouldn't have happened. how different is — wouldn't have happened. how different is it _ wouldn't have happened. how different is it as _ wouldn't have happened. how different is it as an _ wouldn't have happened. how different is it as an actor, and how does it change the way you portray a character when you know it is not a fictional character, that is a real person? i fictional character, that is a real erson? ., , , person? i would be lying if! said it wasn't a _ person? i would be lying if! said it wasn't a bit _ person? i would be lying if! said it wasn't a bit more _ person? i would be lying if! said it wasn't a bit more stressful. in| it wasn't a bit more stressful. in some ways, it is similar, ultimately you work within the confines of the script, but at the same time you do feel an obligation to represent that person adequately, in some small way. you don't want to do an impression, i don't think that's what any of us wanted to do, but you want to do them justice, in some small way. so for me meeting sheila was invaluable. 50

small way. so for me meeting sheila was invaluable.— was invaluable. so you did meet sheila before _ was invaluable. so you did meet sheila before the _ was invaluable. so you did meet sheila before the project - was invaluable. so you did meetj sheila before the project started was invaluable. so you did meet i sheila before the project started to film. what did you take from her, because she has become such a well—known face of the campaign, hasn't she? i well-known face of the campaign, hasn't she?— hasn't she? i had known of sheila for a lona hasn't she? i had known of sheila for a long time — hasn't she? i had known of sheila for a long time and _ hasn't she? i had known of sheila for a long time and i _ hasn't she? i had known of sheila for a long time and i had - hasn't she? i had known of sheila for a long time and i had seen - hasn't she? i had known of sheila| for a long time and i had seen her speak several times. she was kind of an enigma to me. here is this woman who did not lose anybody at hillsborough and wasn't at hillsborough and wasn't at hillsborough yet she gave up a huge chunk of her life to this campaign, and i didn't quite get it. she wasn't compelled by grief or loss or any of those things that as an actor you search for, and then i met her and it became crystal clear that she is compelled by a stronger sense of what is right and wrong than anyone i have ever met. and it seems very simple with her. if she sees an injustice, she goes in. it doesn't matter if it takes an hour of the day or a decade of her life, it

seems. she is all in. she was really impressive. seems. she is all in. she was really impressive-— impressive. and what is so striking about this drama _ impressive. and what is so striking about this drama is _ impressive. and what is so striking about this drama is it _ impressive. and what is so striking about this drama is it doesn't - impressive. and what is so striking about this drama is it doesn't just. about this drama is it doesn'tjust portray the stories of the lives of the people who were lost, and therefore the people who were campaigning on their behalf, but it is quite striking about what might have been. those missed opportunities all those lives that were not lived and what they could have contributed. that is really striking in this. did you get a sense of that when playing this part? sense of that when playing this art? ., ~ sense of that when playing this .art? ., ~' , ., sense of that when playing this art? ., ,, , sense of that when playing this .art? ., ~' , ., part? yeah. i think in some ways one ofthe part? yeah. i think in some ways one of the things — part? yeah. i think in some ways one of the things we _ part? yeah. i think in some ways one of the things we are _ part? yeah. i think in some ways one of the things we are trying _ part? yeah. i think in some ways one of the things we are trying to - part? yeah. i think in some ways one of the things we are trying to do - of the things we are trying to do with this, when disasters like hillsborough happen, we measure them by counting. we counter the victims, and that number easily becomes an abstract —— we count the victims. we must remember behind every one of the statistics is a story and it is notjust the statistics is a story and it is not just one the statistics is a story and it is notjust one life, it is a whole family, and friends and through

generations. and this is anne's story and there are countless others. i think it is easy for us to become numb to figures and numbers, and ourjob as dramatists is to remind us there is a human story behind all of those. ind remind us there is a human story behind all of those.— remind us there is a human story behind all of those. and if people are sittin: behind all of those. and if people are sitting down, _ behind all of those. and if people are sitting down, it _ behind all of those. and if people are sitting down, it will— behind all of those. and if people are sitting down, it will be - behind all of those. and if people are sitting down, it will be a - are sitting down, it will be a harrowing watch, not an easy watch. why should people choose this over something a little more light—hearted at this time of year, do you think? light-hearted at this time of year, do you think?— light-hearted at this time of year, do you think? honestly, there will be --eole do you think? honestly, there will be people who _ do you think? honestly, there will be people who can't _ do you think? honestly, there will be people who can't watch - do you think? honestly, there will be people who can't watch this. it| be people who can't watch this. it will be to triggering and upsetting and i completely understand that. it is not an easy watch. but it is important, it's important, because there are things in this drama i did not know happened and i am a liverpool supporter. i thought i followed the whole case, but there's still stuff in it that i didn't know. even though it is in the

public domain, we don't really talk about it. gosh, yeah. i don't know. i hope people do watch it and people sit their children down to watch it because it is important we recognise that injustices happen, and they are ordinary people who can do remarkable things and anne was an ordinary mother, but the love of an ordinary mother, but the love of an ordinary mum can be incredible. i think it is an important watch. it's also inspiring. there is hope in it. claire, we are so grateful for talking to us this morning. it is really a powerful moving story. claire, thank you there, in the new drama. 'anne' is on sunday night at 9pm on itv. you're watching bbc breakfast. it's 8:59am.

this is bbc news — the headlines the british socialite ghislaine maxwell is found guilty on five counts of grooming and trafficking teenage girls for abuse, by a jury in new york. maxwell procured the girls for the financier and convicted sex offenderjeffrey epstein — she faces the rest of her life behind bars. it doesn't matter who you are, no matter what kinds of circles you travel in, no matter how much money you have, no matter how many years have passed since the sexual abuse, justice is still possible. we'll be looking at the implications of the verdict for prince andrew, who is named in a lawsuit brought by a woman who says she was groomed by maxwell and abused by the prince — he denies the allegations. in other news — nhs england is to set up

new nightingale hubs to combat a potential wave of covid