this is bbc news. i'm clive myrie. the headlines... borisjohnson is boris johnson is under fire borisjohnson is underfire over borisjohnson is under fire over the downing street bring your own booze party during the first lockdown. now the police say they're in contact with the cabinet office about it. i apologise again unreservedly for the upset to these allegations. this apologise again unreservedly for the upset to these allegations.— upset to these allegations. this was or: anised upset to these allegations. this was organised in — upset to these allegations. this was organised in advance, _ upset to these allegations. this was organised in advance, mr _ upset to these allegations. this was organised in advance, mr speaker, | upset to these allegations. this was i organised in advance, mr speaker, so did the_ organised in advance, mr speaker, so did the prime minister know about the event — did the prime minister know about the event and did he give his permission for it to go ahead? borisjohnson thought boris johnson thought it was appmpriate _ boris johnson thought it was appmpriate to _ boris johnson thought it was appropriate to hope - boris johnson thought it was appropriate to hope a - boris johnson thought it was appropriate to hope a party. boris johnson thought it was - appropriate to hope a party where he could bring _ appropriate to hope a party where he could bring your— appropriate to hope a party where he could bring your own _ appropriate to hope a party where he could bring your own booze, - appropriate to hope a party where he could bring your own booze, sit- appropriate to hope a party where he could bring your own booze, sit in. could bring your own booze, sit in the garden at _ could bring your own booze, sit in the garden at downing _ could bring your own booze, sit in the garden at downing street, - could bring your own booze, sit in. the garden at downing street, where he met— the garden at downing street, where he met me _ the garden at downing street, where he met me and — the garden at downing street, where he met me and four— the garden at downing street, where he met me and four other— the garden at downing street, where

he met me and four other bereaved i he met me and four other bereaved families_ he met me and four other bereaved families that — he met me and four other bereaved families that he _ he met me and four other bereaved families that he did _ he met me and four other bereaved families that he did everything - he met me and four other bereaved families that he did everything he . families that he did everything he did to _ families that he did everything he did to save — families that he did everything he did to save them. _ families that he did everything he did to save them. one— families that he did everything he did to save them.— did to save them. one and 12 teachers _ did to save them. one and 12 teachers were _ did to save them. one and 12 teachers were absent - did to save them. one and 12 teachers were absent from i did to save them. one and 12 - teachers were absent from england because my school last week of the omicron variant continues to spread. restrictions on large outdoor �*s events in scotland are to be lifted from next monday. a medicalfirst in america where doctor is transplant a genetically modified pig heart to a human patient. and species are around the world. threatening antarctica's delicate ecosystem. good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. the metropolitan police says it's in contact with the government after it emerged as many as 100 people were invited to a party in the garden at downing street, during the first

lockdown in may 2020. at the time, such gatherings were banned. a minister told the commons that the government would not comment while the official investigation into downing street parties is carried out. labour says borisjohnson "cannot spend the next days and weeks hiding behind a whitehall inquiry," which is looking into whether the gatherings at no 10 broke covid rules. our political correspondent, damian grammaticas, reports. downing street this morning, questions piling up. should the prime minister apologise? should the prime i minister apologise? inside, in the cabinet meeting, there was no mention of the latest revelations about downing street parties, but this toxic issue won't go away for borisjohnson. in may 2020, the man behind him, his principal private secretary, martin reynolds, e—mailed 100 staff inviting them to bring their own booze for drinks in the garden. witnesses have told the bbc around 30 attended, including mrjohnson and his wife. given that the rules said you could only meet one person, some staff were shocked.

in messages seen by the bbc, they said... the same month, hannah brady lost herfather to covid. last year, she met mrjohnson in the very same garden. i think this pandemic for me is a story of two men, one is my 55—year—old dad, who is dead, having spent 42 nights on a ventilator fighting covid and no other illnesses. the other is a man who was 55 at the time of this party, borisjohnson, having survived covid himself, thought it was appropriate to host a party where you could bring your own booze, sit in the garden in downing street where borisjohnson met me and four other bereaved families and told us to our faces, after listening to my dad's story, "i did everything i could to save him." yesterday, he wouldn't answer questions, saying an internal investigation underway into all the parties

investigation is under way into all the parties that have come to light. the labour leader, isolating because of covid, tweeted today... it's notjust the labour party that are angry about this, there are plenty of my parliamentary colleagues who have no idea what anyone in that e—mail chain was thinking, or how... this is utterly indefensible, it cannot be defended. they weren't saying it publicly... what should the prime minister do with these latest revelations, sir? ..but arriving in parliament today, tory mps, some angry, some aghast, and a new opening for labour. i apologise again, unreservedly, for the upset that these allegations have caused. the prime minister has asked for an investigation... there's no need for an investigation into the simple central question today, did the prime minister attend the event in the downing street garden on the 20th of may 2020? it won't wash, mr speaker,

to blame this on a few junior civil servants, the prime minister sets the tone. hear, hear. exactly. if the prime minister was there, surely he knew. does he still believe the prime minister to be a man of honour and integrity? hear, hear! she asks if i have confidence in the prime minister's integrity and honour, and i do. laughter. and now, the police are in touch with the cabinet office. the met has been under pressure to investigate the parties. difficulties mounting for borisjohnson. damian grammaticas, bbc news, westminster. let's speak now with our political correspondent, nick eardley. he's in the central lobby at the commons. a minister apologises for any offence caused by the allegation. borisjohnson doesn't

make it. the opposition are smelling blood. ., �* , make it. the opposition are smelling blood. . �*, ., , , blood. that's absolutely right. the criticism isn't _ blood. that's absolutely right. the criticism isn't just _ blood. that's absolutely right. the criticism isn't just coming - blood. that's absolutely right. the criticism isn't just coming from - blood. that's absolutely right. the j criticism isn'tjust coming from the labour party and the s there is a lot of tory mps who are really concerned about what's happening —— and the snp. concerned about their hope this was going to fade away at christmas, being absolutely undermined by the revelations over the past 2a hours. i've spoken to quite a few mps today who are demanding answers from boris johnson, who want to know what happened and aren't quite giving them the support that you might have expected of a prime minister in a position like this. one person thinks borisjohnson should go, ian blackford. do you think the prime minister is really in trouble this time? we've heard accusations before. what's different this time?

i think everything we've seen over the course — i think everything we've seen over the course of the last 24 hours, the members _ the course of the last 24 hours, the members of— the course of the last 24 hours, the members of the public who have told their stories of losing loved ones have _ their stories of losing loved ones have brought back horrors of everything that happened over that first lockdown. when you have the government that were telling everyone how they should behave, a press _ everyone how they should behave, a press conference from the government at five _ press conference from the government at five o'clock with the culture secretary, _ at five o'clock with the culture secretary, and an hour later, bring your— secretary, and an hour later, bring your own booze to a party. he are appalled. _ your own booze to a party. he are appalled. -- — your own booze to a party. he are appalled. —— people are appalled. i think— appalled. —— people are appalled. i think he's— appalled. —— people are appalled. i think he's lost trust within his own party _ think he's lost trust within his own party it— think he's lost trust within his own party. if he — think he's lost trust within his own party. if he doesn't go, i would suggest — party. if he doesn't go, i would suggest tonight that his days are numbered. we suggest tonight that his days are numbered. ~ ., , . i. .,, ., numbered. we would expect you as an o- osition numbered. we would expect you as an opposition mp — numbered. we would expect you as an opposition mp to _ numbered. we would expect you as an opposition mp to be _ numbered. we would expect you as an opposition mp to be putting _ numbered. we would expect you as an opposition mp to be putting pressure i opposition mp to be putting pressure on borisjohnson. what conversations have you had today with conservatives? a lot of them are speaking privately about their concern and you have the similar concerns? we concern and you have the similar concerns?— concerns? we have the urgent ruestion concerns? we have the urgent question that _ concerns? we have the urgent question that the _ concerns? we have the urgent question that the prime - concerns? we have the urgent l

question that the prime minister should _ question that the prime minister should have been there to address. he should've come clean on what happened. — he should've come clean on what happened, but tory mps recognise this is— happened, but tory mps recognise this is over~ — happened, but tory mps recognise this is over. this is a man that's lost _ this is over. this is a man that's lost the — this is over. this is a man that's lost the faith in the trust of the people — lost the faith in the trust of the people of the united kingdom, and rightly— people of the united kingdom, and rightly so — people of the united kingdom, and rightly so. we've seen two poles that showed that people want him to go he _ that showed that people want him to go. he doesn't have what it takes in terms _ go. he doesn't have what it takes in terms of— go. he doesn't have what it takes in terms of that moral authority that he now— terms of that moral authority that he now needs to leave the united kingdom through a pandemic. it is over for— kingdom through a pandemic. it is over for him. it's only a question of when — over for him. it's only a question of when he — over for him. it's only a question of when he goes, and he doesn't resigh, if— of when he goes, and he doesn't resign, if he doesn't realise if you need _ resign, if he doesn't realise if you need to— resign, if he doesn't realise if you need to go. — resign, if he doesn't realise if you need to go, he's breached the trust the people — need to go, he's breached the trust the people gave to him in 2019. i suspect— the people gave to him in 2019. i suspect the tory mps will bring forwardm _ suspect the tory mps will bring forward... we cannot continue with a man who _ forward... we cannot continue with a man who has — forward... we cannot continue with a man who has behave this way. it's notiust_ man who has behave this way. it's notjust about this. man who has behave this way. it's not just about this. it's everything else, _ not just about this. it's everything else, it's — not just about this. it's everything else, it's about the sleaze and the corruption. — else, it's about the sleaze and the corruption, what happened about putting _ corruption, what happened about putting tory donors into the house

of lords _ putting tory donors into the house of lords. this is a man that has abused — of lords. this is a man that has abused the _ of lords. this is a man that has abused the office of prime minister of the _ abused the office of prime minister of the united kingdom. thankfully, this will— of the united kingdom. thankfully, this will soon be over. let�*s of the united kingdom. thankfully, this will soon be over.— this will soon be over. let's try and test the — this will soon be over. let's try and test the potential- this will soon be over. let's tryj and test the potential defence. this will soon be over. let's try - and test the potential defence. we haven't heard from the government. i can't put for you this specific defence, but one argument is this is a place of work. these were people who are raking 18 hour days, and after work, they had a couple of drinks and it was socially distance. what the issue?— drinks and it was socially distance. what the issue? people were working reall hard what the issue? people were working really hard to — what the issue? people were working really hard to keep _ what the issue? people were working really hard to keep the _ what the issue? people were working really hard to keep the rest _ what the issue? people were working really hard to keep the rest of - what the issue? people were working really hard to keep the rest of us - really hard to keep the rest of us safe _ really hard to keep the rest of us safe. health service, for example. they— safe. health service, for example. they were — safe. health service, for example. they were dead on their feet, and when _ they were dead on their feet, and when we — they were dead on their feet, and when we see those kind of defences, it won't— when we see those kind of defences, it won't wash. when you consider the closest _ it won't wash. when you consider the closest adviser was sending an e-mail— closest adviser was sending an e—mail out asking people to come and party on _ e—mail out asking people to come and party on the _ e—mail out asking people to come and party on the hottest day of the year. — party on the hottest day of the year, where people couldn't visit their— year, where people couldn't visit their loved — year, where people couldn't visit their loved ones in the hospital or care homes, this is an arrogance. we

saw the _ care homes, this is an arrogance. we saw the prime — care homes, this is an arrogance. we saw the prime minister yesterday and he was _ saw the prime minister yesterday and he was laughing about what took place _ he was laughing about what took place he — he was laughing about what took place. he was laughing at the people whom _ place. he was laughing at the people who... there is no defence, and that's— who... there is no defence, and that's why— who... there is no defence, and that's why he has to go one way or the other~ — that's why he has to go one way or the other. do that's why he has to go one way or the other. , ., ., , that's why he has to go one way or the other. ,, . , , ,, ., the other. do you get any impression that other opposition _ the other. do you get any impression that other opposition parties - the other. do you get any impression that other opposition parties might i that other opposition parties might back him? i that other opposition parties might back him? ~ ., that other opposition parties might back him? ~' ., ., , back him? i think there are many --eole in back him? i think there are many peeple in the _ back him? i think there are many people in the labour— back him? i think there are many people in the labour party, - back him? i think there are many people in the labour party, as i back him? i think there are many l people in the labour party, as they are in_ people in the labour party, as they are in the _ people in the labour party, as they are in the conservatives, that recognise _ are in the conservatives, that recognise this is not... this is a breach— recognise this is not... this is a breach of— recognise this is not... this is a breach of trust. he's let himself down _ breach of trust. he's let himself down and — breach of trust. he's let himself down and let the country down. he should _ down and let the country down. he should accept his own responsibility. my message to him tonight— responsibility. my message to him tonight is— responsibility. my message to him tonight is this is over. if he doesn't _ tonight is this is over. if he doesn't go, conservative mps need to have that _ doesn't go, conservative mps need to have that moral fibre, put the letters — have that moral fibre, put the letters into the 1922 committee, and make sure _ letters into the 1922 committee, and make sure borisjohnson's make sure boris johnson's premiership make sure borisjohnson's premiership comes to a swift end is off yellow— premiership comes to a swift end is off yellow thanks very much. as i say, _ off yellow thanks very much. as i sa , ., ., ., , , say, we would normally put the defence from _ say, we would normally put the defence from the _ say, we would normally put the defence from the government, | say, we would normally put the . defence from the government, the approach to this from ministers

we've seen today and likewise from number ten has been to say that this is all being looked at by sue grey, the senior civil servant who took over that inquiry. the cabinet secretary had to accuse himself because he had attended a gathering himself. in whitehall last christmas, 2020. it'll be really interesting to see what happens tomorrow as well. we fed the government trying to avoid specifics on this. —— we've had. we will hear from the prime minister tomorrow. there will be a lot of pressure on borisjohnson to come up with some of the answers that today haven't been forthcoming.— of the answers that today haven't been forthcoming. nick, thank you for that. human rights barrister adam wagner from doughty street chambers has clients who were threatened with prosecution for allegedly breaking lockdown rules. speaking to the bbc earlier,

he gave us his reaction. at the time, it was illegal for a person to be outside of the place they were living without a reasonable excuse, and that reasonable excuse, and that reasonable excuse, and that reasonable excuse could include where they needed to work. but as we can see from the e—mail, this doesn't look a lot like work. this is bring your own booze to a party, to help us thank everyone for their hard work, but ijust think... who knows? i looked in the guidance at the time yesterday, which was very clear and said to avoid gatherings of work in the workplace, because the whole idea, the safe working guidance from the government for people who had to go to the office — only a limited number — it was very clear to keep people in groups, to

not encourage gatherings. so, this was actually, rather than being a safe, it was probably bringing together lots of people who weren't regularly working together in a way which would potentially expose them to covid. i know the government would say it was a socially distance, but one of the things we also heard from the government throughout the pandemic and particularly throughout 2020, when they were justifying closing particularly throughout 2020, when they werejustifying closing pubs, was that once people start drinking alcohol, it's much more difficult to maintain social distancing requirements. ijust think maintain social distancing requirements. i just think this was a recipe for a disaster to bring together all of these people who may not be working together closely, but would be close together in what a very big garden. well, a poll from savanta comres has come out today

which makes disturbing reading for borisjohnson, the government and the conservative party. amongst its findings were that 66% of those polled thought the prime minister should resign over the latest so—called partygate scandal. it also found that just 25% thought the tory leader remained a political asset to the party. we can speak in more detail about that with chris hopkins, who is the political research director for savanta comres. thanks very much for being with us. it was clear that the allegations of parties during lockdown that came outjust before christmas saps to a degree for some the moral authority of the prime minister. what's interesting about your findings now is that situation is actually much worse —— much worse. the is that situation is actually much worse -- much worse.— is that situation is actually much worse -- much worse. the key finding here is 66% — worse -- much worse. the key finding here is 66% say _ worse -- much worse. the key finding here is 66% say the _ worse -- much worse. the key finding here is 66% say the prime _ worse -- much worse. the key finding here is 66% say the prime minister . here is 66% say the prime minister should resign now. it was only 54% when we asked the similar question backin when we asked the similar question back in december. the partygate scandal came about, and i think that

increase is the real key thing here. it might not all be down to this. i think there has been recession of boris's ratings since the partygate scandal came about. i think this is just another straw that could break the back of the pm. these figures show he does not have the support of the public any more.— the public any more. well over a third of conservative _ the public any more. well over a third of conservative voters - the public any more. well over a third of conservative voters who | third of conservative voters who voted for the party in 2019 say that the prime minister should resign as well. �* , , the prime minister should resign as well. absolutely. it's a significant 42% of those _ well. absolutely. it's a significant 4296 of those who _ well. absolutely. it's a significant 4296 of those who voted - well. absolutely. it's a significant 4296 of those who voted for - well. absolutely. it's a significant 4296 of those who voted for him l well. absolutely. it's a significant i 4296 of those who voted for him last 42% of those who voted for him last time, thinking he should resign. it's quite clear that back in 2019, he did overwhelmingly well. that is

ebbing away, and i think what will be key in the next few days — we will be launching a we can pull how they will vote — to see what size the labour lead is. i think the tories were enjoying a lead last time. that has all but disappeared now, i think the labour lead increases, then borisjohnson seems ultimately to be disappearing. i think it begs the question whether conservative mps will keep him around. ., �* , conservative mps will keep him around. . �*, . around. that's the critical thing because we've _ around. that's the critical thing because we've got _ around. that's the critical thing because we've got to _ around. that's the critical thing because we've got to - - around. that's the critical thing because we've got to - three i around. that's the critical thing - because we've got to - three years because we've got to — three years before the next election. it would before the next election. it would be the committee who would decide whether or not to launch some kind of no—confidence attack on the prime minister —— 2—3. are they the kind

of figures that would essentially put pressure on the backbenchers to really consider this option? i put pressure on the backbenchers to really consider this option?- really consider this option? i think so. boris johnson, _ really consider this option? i think so. boris johnson, one _ really consider this option? i think so. boris johnson, one of - really consider this option? i think so. boris johnson, one of his - really consider this option? i think. so. boris johnson, one of his issues so. borisjohnson, one of his issues is his saving grace has always been... he doesn't have massive support within his own party, but that kept him around because... if the opinion polls showed he was no longer an electoral accent, what's the point in keeping him around? i think if i was labour or another party, i would maybe want to keep them around a little bit longer, because it does give the other parties an opportunity to be prime minister. i think of the conservative party were to get rid of borisjohnson and find a new leader who was more popular, that might in badly for the labour party.

—— end badly. he might well be the asset they need around for them to do well in the next election. he would be the lightning rod that the opposition can rally around? i think so. ithink opposition can rally around? i think s0- i think it— opposition can rally around? i think so. i think it is— opposition can rally around? i think so. i think it is a _ opposition can rally around? i think so. i think it is a bit _ opposition can rally around? i think so. i think it is a bit of— opposition can rally around? i think so. i think it is a bit of a tight - so. i think it is a bit of a tight rope for opposition. ian blackford calling for borisjohnson's resignation, i think that's fine. if i was keir starmer, i would be a little more cautious. while boris johnson remains in post, polls show what they do, i would imagine that if the story continues, that lead will only increase. that could narrow again the conservative party were to replace borisjohnson. throughout the pandemic, we have seen rishi sunak has always had pull readings that were better. crosstalk

but if ou readings that were better. crosstalk ibut if you have — readings that were better. crosstalk but if you have the _ readings that were better. crosstalk but if you have the 1922 _ readings that were better. crosstalk but if you have the 1922 committee, i but if you have the 1922 committee, if you have them saying, "we don't have an alternative, there isn't an alternative to borisjohnson," could we see a period of attrition over the next few months, where there isn't a change in leadership, but the numbers continue to get worse and worse?— the numbers continue to get worse and worse? possibly. i think what's also important _ and worse? possibly. i think what's also important is _ and worse? possibly. i think what's also important is after _ and worse? possibly. i think what's also important is after a _ and worse? possibly. i think what's also important is after a christmas | also important is after a christmas party scandal broke, although the conservative poll numbers were dropping, they weren't intending to go directly to labour. it's quite significantly easier for the prime minister to win those voters back. if they were driving to labour, it's more difficult. time will tell about what the full show. if the conservative figure drops, if labour

aren't directly capitalising, maybe there is an opportunity for the prime minister to get those voters back. possibly moving to the committee might not be... find back. possibly moving to the committee might not be... and you're sa in: committee might not be... and you're saying there — committee might not be... and you're saying there will _ committee might not be... and you're saying there will not _ committee might not be... and you're saying there will not be _ committee might not be... and you're saying there will not be polls - committee might not be... and you're saying there will not be polls in - saying there will not be polls in the next few weeks looking at voter intention? ~ , ,., , the next few weeks looking at voter intention? ~ , , . ., the next few weeks looking at voter intention? ~ , . ., ., intention? absolutely. we do one every week- _ intention? absolutely. we do one every week- we _ intention? absolutely. we do one every week. we did _ intention? absolutely. we do one every week. we did have - intention? absolutely. we do one every week. we did have some i intention? absolutely. we do one - every week. we did have some around christmas that were showing larger leads in that. even this story could have a similar impact where we could see larger labour leads. they're going directly to labour orjust don't know, and if they're in the latter category, it is easier for the prime minister to get those votes back. particularly if the pandemic sort of progresses to a better position.—

better position. chris hopkins, research director _ better position. chris hopkins, research director for _ better position. chris hopkins, research director for savanta l research director for savanta comres, thanks forjoining us. we will be getting the views for the conservative leader of scotland. new figures suggest one in 12 teachers were absent from england's schools last week, as omicron cases continued to spread. many schools have told the bbc they're unable to find enough temporary staff to cover the gaps. the education secretary, nadhim zahawi, says he's making contingency plans for the rising rates of staff absence. here's our education editor, branwen jeffreys. they learn and play in a year group bubble. until now, that has kept cases right down, and pupils in school. until now, that's kept cases right down, and pupils in school. if we were on zoom, we could not ask as many questions as we can, like, face—to—face. and if we have finished our zoom lesson and we are starting our work and we need help, our siblings can help us, but they won't know what the subject is and everything. it would be better if our teachers help us. we can still keep our learning going and the school is doing everything they can to make sure we are safe as well.

it would be, like, stressful, because you are missing. because you're missing out on your learning, _ and when you come back you might feel like you're behind. i like playing with my friends and playing in the playground, and it's good that the government made a rule when if someone has some sort of symptoms or has been tested positive, they have to stay at home, not the entire bubble. the pupils are just happy that things are near—normal, but schools are dealing with huge uncertainty — each day not knowing if more teachers will be off with covid and whether they will be able to get supply teachers. this school has kept strict covid measures. when there's a case, parents are asked to lateral flow test their children. every classroom has an air purifier machine, bought by the school. despite all their efforts, it's much worse than last term. we've got more children off this week than we did during the whole of the autumn term, and we've got more staff off

this week than we did during the whole of the autumn term. so, this morning, it's about covering a few classes where the teachers have tested positive for covid, and just difficulties getting supply teachers, so we're trying to put contingencies in ahead of time, pre—empting the phone call. today's figures show some schools have been hit hard. most pupils are still learning in class, not at home, as schools in england try to ride out this latest covid wave. branwenjeffreys, bbc news, birmingham. restrictions on large outdoor events in scotland, including football matches and concerts, are to be lifted from next monday. the move will allow fans to return to stadiums when the scottish premiership's winter break ends and it means scotland's six nations rugby matches won't have to be played behind closed doors at murrayfield. the first minister, nicola sturgeon, outlined the new rules a little earlier.

ican i can confirm today that the attendant �*s limit of 500 at large—scale outdoor events will be lifted from monday. that means spectators will be permitted again at major outdoor sporting events, including football fixtures scheduled for early next week and the forthcoming six nations rugby match is. the covid certification scheme will remain in place for these events, but with two important changes. our guidance will now stipulate that the organisers of large events with 1,000 or more people should check the certification status of at least 50% of attendees rather than the current 20% or at least 1,000 people, whicheverfigure is highest. second, from monday, the requirement to be fully vaccinated for the covid certification will include having a booster if the second dose was more than four months ago. nhs scotland status app will be updated from

thursday so that its qr code includes evidence of booster vaccination. it will also be possible to order updated paper, and it will be possible to gain admission. by providing proof of a recent negative lateral protest. i hope this will allow us to lift the limits on indoor events, table service and hospitality. i will concerned —— confirm this in my statement next week. anyone who records a positive lateral flow test in england, but doesn't have symptoms, no longer needs to take a pcr test. it's hoped easing the rule will free up pcr testing capacity for key workers, amid concerns over staff shortages because of covid infections. northern ireland, scotland and wales have already implemented the change.

in an extraordinary first for medical science, doctors in america have transplanted a genetically—modified pig's heart into a human patient, in a final attempt to save his life. the man is said to be doing well three days after the experimental surgery. success could lead to the routine use of animal organs in human transplants. this report from our north america correspondent, david willis, contains pictures of the operation. inside the box was the heart of a 240 lb pig, genetically engineered to survive inside a human body. but the question was, would the transplant work? after toiling for nearly nine hours, surgeons at the university of maryland medical centre removed the clamp restricting blood to the new organ and declared that it had. the pigs heart was pumping away, keeping alive a patient for whom all other options had run out. on the operating table

was 57—year—old dave bennett, pictured here with his son and daughter. when doctors first proposed the pigs heart transplant, he thought they were joking, but four days on, he's said to be doing well and his doctors sound increasingly optimistic. we've never done this in a human, and i like to think that we have given him a better option than what continuing his therapy would have been. but whether it's a day, week, month, year, i don't know. advances in gene editing and cloning techniques have proved a game—changer as far as this sort of surgery is concerned. and in a country in which more than 100,000 people are currently awaiting an organ transplant, dave bennett's operation could help change the lives and ease the suffering of so many. pictured here with the man who led the operation, mr bennett is now breathing

on his own without a ventilator. having called the operation a shot in the dark, the hospital says he is now looking forward to being released from their care and reunited with his dog, lucky. david willis, bbc news, los angeles. the very best of luck to him. time to look at the weather with darren. there was some sunshine across more northern parts of the uk, further south, we struggled with low cloud and drizzle. that damp weather is pushing away from southern and southeastern parts of england. clear skies will follow, up towards the north, stronger breeze that will bring more cloud into northern and western parts. other parts of scotland will be quite cold, but the lowest temperatures will be in england and wales with those clear skies. not only will he have the frost, there will be fog as well. this is the main area we will see fog. it'sjust this is the main area we will see fog. it's just a yellow warning for the met office, but there are lots

of roads. slowly lifting in the afternoon, many places dry tomorrow with some sunshine. there is more cloud for northern and western scotland, but probably drier than today. northern scotland will probably see the highest temperatures despite the sunshine. fog is slow to lift. as we head into thursday, i think we will see mist and fog more widely across england and fog more widely across england and wales. hello you're watching bbc news. our top stories for you. borisjohnson is underfire under the downing street bring your own booze party during the first lockdown. own booze party during the first lockdown. i apologise unreservedly for the upset that these allegations have

caused. . . . upset that these allegations have caused. , ., ., , upset that these allegations have caused. , ., , ., caused. this was organise in advance mr speaker- — caused. this was organise in advance mr speaker- so _ caused. this was organise in advance mr speaker. so did _ caused. this was organise in advance mr speaker. so did the _ caused. this was organise in advance mr speaker. so did the prime - mr speaker. so did the prime minister— mr speaker. so did the prime minister know about the event before hand and _ minister know about the event before hand and did he give his permission for it to _ hand and did he give his permission for it to go — hand and did he give his permission for it to go ahead? boris hand and did he give his permission for it to go ahead?— for it to go ahead? boris johnson havin: for it to go ahead? boris johnson having survived _ for it to go ahead? boris johnson having survived covid _ for it to go ahead? boris johnson having survived covid himself- for it to go ahead? boris johnson | having survived covid himself that it was _ having survived covid himself that it was appropriate _ having survived covid himself that it was appropriate to _ having survived covid himself that it was appropriate to host - having survived covid himself that it was appropriate to host a - having survived covid himself that it was appropriate to host a partyl it was appropriate to host a party where _ it was appropriate to host a party where you — it was appropriate to host a party where you can _ it was appropriate to host a party where you can bring _ it was appropriate to host a party where you can bring your- it was appropriate to host a party where you can bring your own - it was appropriate to host a party- where you can bring your own booze, set in _ where you can bring your own booze, set in the _ where you can bring your own booze, set in the garden _ where you can bring your own booze, set in the garden at _ where you can bring your own booze, set in the garden at downing - where you can bring your own booze, set in the garden at downing street i set in the garden at downing street where _ set in the garden at downing street where boris — set in the garden at downing street where borisjohnson _ set in the garden at downing street where borisjohnson met— set in the garden at downing street where borisjohnson met me - set in the garden at downing street i where borisjohnson met me and four other— where borisjohnson met me and four other bereaved — where borisjohnson met me and four other bereaved families _ where borisjohnson met me and four other bereaved families and - where borisjohnson met me and four other bereaved families and told - where borisjohnson met me and four other bereaved families and told us i other bereaved families and told us to our— other bereaved families and told us to our faces — other bereaved families and told us to our faces after— other bereaved families and told us to our faces after listening - other bereaved families and told us to our faces after listening to - other bereaved families and told us to our faces after listening to my. to our faces after listening to my dad story, — to our faces after listening to my dad story, i— to our faces after listening to my dad story, i did _ to our faces after listening to my dad story, i did everything - to our faces after listening to my dad story, i did everything i- to our faces after listening to myi dad story, i did everything i could to save _ dad story, i did everything i could to save him _ dad story, i did everything i could to save him-— dad story, i did everything i could to save him. ' , to save him. one in 12 teachers were absent from — to save him. one in 12 teachers were absent from england _ to save him. one in 12 teachers were absent from england schools - to save him. one in 12 teachers were absent from england schools last - absent from england schools last week as the omicron variant of covid continue to spread. restrictions on large outdoor events including football matches at concerts are to be lifted from that next monday. a medical first in america where doctors transplant a genetically modified pigs are into a human patient. and species from around the world that hitch lifts on boat threatened antarctica is delicate

ecosystem. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here's holly. stadiums will be can do it like returning to full capacity after the prep minister that limits on outdoor crowds will be removed. last month the scottish premiership brought both its permit after the government kept its attendance at 500 while other leas continued with the fans will be very happy about this news with a six nation starting next month. nicola sturgeon also added that organisers of events will have to check the certification status of at least 50% of attendees. algeria began with a disappointing goal is draw against sierra leone. the current champions missed a host of chances particularly in the second half including this. that

does mean however that algeria's unbeaten run stretches to 35 matches. but a result of the stars with a clean sheet on their first nations cup a parents since 1996. meanwhile nigeria is a cannot mo salah as egyptian group d and it's the super eagles you are a goal up. my the super eagles you are a goal up. myjerry went ahead and first ave thanks to this brilliant finish from the lester stryker. that remains 1—0 which is around 20 minutes left to play. historically it's egypt you are the most successful team in the tournament having won the trophy seven times. this could be a disappointing opening game for the pharaohs. mo salah staying relatively quiet in the game so far. although he hasn't been quiet when talking about his contract negotiations with liverpool. he is into the last 18 months of his current deal and he's been speaking to go magazine telling them he's not

asking for crazy stuff, he is says i want to stay but is not in my hands, it's in their hands. novak djokovic has been back out on the court in his preparations for next week's australian open. no decision on the immigration officer on his visa for are also investigating whether the world number one made a false declaration on his immigration form over his travel history immediately before he arrived in melbourne. in the draw for the tournament takes place on thursday. meanwhile andy murray continued his preparations for the australian open with a straight sets when in the first round of the sydney international. he'll be facing the second seed next. however there was a crushing debt fees for amaretto value in herfirst match since recovering from coronavirus. she only took one game against the world number 13, only took one game against the world

number13, in a match only took one game against the world number 13, in a match that lasted... that came on the same day raducanu was given a seating of 17 for the australian open at which as mentioned start on monday. the seven—time action winner warren says he can't believe the england selectors didn't play stewart brought an opening match of the series given the history between him and australia batsman david warner. he was happy to see some fight from the tours in the fortes. but he believes leading abroad in brisbane was a big mistake. i still believes leading abroad in brisbane was a big mistake.— was a big mistake. i still can't work out _ was a big mistake. i still can't work out how— was a big mistake. i still can't work out how after _ was a big mistake. i still can't work out how after stuart - was a big mistake. i still can't. work out how after stuart broad own david warner in 2019 of the ashes series that what part of cricket brain anyone to do with the england think tank with is said, let's leave stewart brought out and first test together. how do you think david warner fell? together. how do you think david warnerfell? i still together. how do you think david warner fell? i still can't get my head around it and how stuart broad didn't play in efforts test match in

brisbane. absolute basics. in the end australia played some nice as a last test. masters slugger ronnie o'sullivan. .. _ and at the masters snooker, ronnie o'sullivan has beatenjack lisowski 6—1. the number 4 seed was in good form, finishing with a break of 125 to comfortably make it through to the next round. tojoin me then. thank to join me then. thank you for that. labour's deputy leader, angela rayner, says borisjohnson can run, but he can't hide, as the opposition continues to press him to say whether he attended a drinks party in the downing street garden in may 2020, during the first national covid lockdown. an email, inviting about 100 staff to "bring a bottle" and "make the most of the lovely weather," was leaked to itv news yesterday. downing street says

the prime minister continues to have full confidence in the senior civil servant who sent the email, martin reynolds. the paymaster general, michael ellis, a junior minister in the cabinet office, told mps that another senior civil servant, was already investigating what happened. the prime minister has asked for an investigation to take place and the terms of reference for the investigations that are under way have already been published and deposited in the libraries of this house and, in fact, in both houses. the investigations are now being led by sue gray. she is the second permanent secretary at the cabinet office and the department for levelling up. and, of course, she is a former director general of propriety and ethics. the government has committed to publishing the findings of the investigation and providing these to parliament in the normal way. the terms of reference set out that where there are credible allegations relating to other gatherings,

it is open for those to be investigated. and i can confirm to the house, mr speaker, that this includes the allegations relating to the 15th and 20th may 2020. it will establish the facts, and if wrongdoing is established, there will be requisite disciplinary action taken. as with all internal investigations, if evidence emerges of what was potentially a criminal offence, the matter would be referred to the metropolitan police and the cabinet office's work may be paused. matters relating to the adherence of the law are, as ever, matters for the metropolitan police to investigate, and the cabinet office will liaise with them as appropriate. as i am sure members of this house will appreciate, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on an ongoing investigation and the government has

committed to updating the house in due course. mr speaker, i must again point out, as i did in december, and i know the house will also understand that there is a long standing practice of successive administrations that any human resources matters concerning personnel relating to individuals does need to remain confidential. but, mr speaker, both the prime minister and i came before this house in december, we set out the details of the investigation being led by the cabinet office into these allegations of gatherings, and those investigations are continuing. borisjohnson wasn't in the commons for the urgent question, to which michael ellis was just responding, and labour's deputy leader, angela rayner told mps that his absence "speaks volumes." the minister quite frankly hides behind the gray investigation. there is no need for an investigation into the simple central question today — did the prime minister attend

the event in the downing street garden on the 20th of may 2020? it won't wash, mr speaker, to blame this on a few junior civil servants. the prime minister sets the tone. if the prime minister was there, surely he knew. the invitation was sent to 100 staff. many of them his own most personal senior appointees. this was organised in advance, mr speaker, so did the prime minister know about the event beforehand and did he give his permission for it to go ahead? the leader in the scottish party has been reacting to. saying boris johnson has a come to answer a simple question.— johnson has a come to answer a simple question. was he at the party and downing — simple question. was he at the party and downing street _ simple question. was he at the party and downing street in _ simple question. was he at the party and downing street in may _ simple question. was he at the party

and downing street in may 2020? i and downing street in may 2020? we've seen from in an e—mail at someone very close to him in his private office that over 100 people were invited to enjoy the warm weather bring their own booze. at the exact same moment that people in scotland and across the uk are living under the most difficult and challenging of restrictions that people had not been with a loved one, couldn't warn together when passed away for the people missed the birth of the child. people gave up the birth of the child. people gave up so much and they are now saying it the exact same time that the top that number ten enjoying the weather having a drink in the garden. bare having a drink in the garden. are ou having a drink in the garden. are you convinced at the time there was another party. seeing this e—mail come out last night what was your reaction upon reading a? it come out last night what was your reaction upon reading a?— come out last night what was your reaction upon reading a? it makes it clear beyond — reaction upon reading a? it makes it clear beyond doubt _ reaction upon reading a? it makes it clear beyond doubt that _ reaction upon reading a? it makes it clear beyond doubt that there - reaction upon reading a? it makes it clear beyond doubt that there was i reaction upon reading a? it makes it clear beyond doubt that there was a | clear beyond doubt that there was a party. you don't bring your own booze to any other work of the dead. it's very clear the way it was written was for colleagues to have a bit of downtime and enjoy the garden at number ten. and he didn't get to enjoy downtime with drinks with

friends and family, nobody else was able to mix with friends other than one person from a house. we know that this 40, 50 people at this party and more than a hundred were invited. i was furious when i start last night and i understand and agree with the anger that the people are expressing as they learn more about it. leader of the scottish conservatives.— about it. leader of the scottish conservatives. the start of a harsh winter is accelerating _ conservatives. the start of a harsh winter is accelerating afghan - winter is accelerating afghan incidents humanitarian crisis was upset since the taliban takeover last august the collapse of the previous government and the withdrawal of western support has led to soaring unemployment. with many unable to feed their families are heat their homes. a million children are thought to be at risk from severe malnourishment with the united nations at risk from severe malnourishment with the united nations issuing a urgent call for age. more than half the country is a

need. these wheelbarrows are full of very basics, salt, rice, cooking oil and for many of the people here it's the first time they've had food in days. the interesting thing is that the bar do not bazaars, the markets are full of produce but no one here has any money. this isn'tjust the case here in kabul, it's the same situation across afghanistan. the taliban are international pariahs so the economy is being crushed by sanctions. only humanitarian aid is allowed in. women are banned from work and education but also lost another fundamental right — the ability to feed their families. has kabul ever been this angry before? no, never, ithink.— kabul ever been this angry before? no, never, ithink. no, never, i think. what's a message to the rest of— no, never, i think. what's a message to the rest of the _ no, never, i think. what's a message to the rest of the world? _ no, never, i think. what's a message to the rest of the world? they - to the rest of the world? they should see — to the rest of the world? they should see us _ to the rest of the world? they should see us how— to the rest of the world? they should see us how we - to the rest of the world? they should see us how we are - to the rest of the world? iie: should see us how we are going to the rest of the world? tie: should see us how we are going to live here. they should see our challenges, they should see our

problems and problems increasing day by day here. living causes increasing by day here. new rules and new challenges that makes our lives harsher more than any other time. that's not fair. she lives harsher more than any other time. that's not fair.— time. that's not fair. she can't afford the _ time. that's not fair. she can't afford the dollar _ time. that's not fair. she can't afford the dollar for _ time. that's not fair. she can't afford the dollar for her - time. that's not fair. she can't afford the dollar for her to - time. that's not fair. she can't| afford the dollar for her to take her home but she hasjust afford the dollar for her to take her home but she has just enough to hire a wheelbarrow. her home but she has 'ust enough to hire a wheelbarrow._ hire a wheelbarrow. translation: what can we — hire a wheelbarrow. translation: what can we do? _ hire a wheelbarrow. translation: what can we do? there's _ hire a wheelbarrow. translation: what can we do? there's no - hire a wheelbarrow. translation: what can we do? there's no money| what can we do? there's no money to buy food _ what can we do? there's no money to buy food all— what can we do? there's no money to buy food. all the meta— jobless, they— buy food. all the meta— jobless, they don't— buy food. all the meta— jobless, they don't have work. there is nothing — they don't have work. there is nothing to— they don't have work. there is nothing to eat and no firewood to warm _ nothing to eat and no firewood to warm our— nothing to eat and no firewood to warm our home. on nothing to eat and no firewood to warm our home.— nothing to eat and no firewood to warm our home. on the cities edges is even worse- _ warm our home. on the cities edges is even worse. the _ warm our home. on the cities edges is even worse. the poorest - is even worse. the poorest are sinking deeper into poverty. he moved here, at this house is home to fourfamilies. he can't

moved here, at this house is home to four families. he can't afford soap to wash the kids faces, they burned plastic to keep warm, the air in here is thick and accurate. it still isn't safe for them to return, he says. we would've moved to pakistan but pakistan closed its borders to us. afghanistan is long or it may be over but the afghan people suffering indoors. the organisation that runs men's professional tennis, says the controversy over novak djokovic in australia, has been "damaging on all fronts. " the men's world number one, won a court battle yesterday, to overturn his visa cancellation, and he's since been practising on a court in melbourne for next week's australian open. here's shaimaa khalil. the first pictures of novak djokovic playing a day after a judge overruled his visa cancellation. the world number one has been held in an immigration detention hotel since his arrival.

now, he says, he's focused on competing. with only a few days before the australian open, the country's immigration minister is still considering whether to cancel the player's visa. there is a great deal of uncertainty about what happens next, and division too. should he be here? oh, god, i don't know. i've followed it all week. i just sort of wonder what the reception will be like when he gets here. we are a country of booers, we do like that, but i'm sure he can handle that. if he plays, i will not watch him, because he is not vaccinated. we are really excited that he's here. - it's cool to have all those top players and, yeah, i we are super excited for him. there is also concern about what this will mean for the sport and the players�* ability to travel. the atp, which runs the men's tennis tour, said the novak djokovic controversy has been damaging on all fronts and has

called for more clarity on the rules to enter australia. but it has also urged players to get vaccinated. preparations are under way for the first grand slam of the season, and despite the upheaval around him, novak djokovic seems determined to defend his title. shaimaa khalil, bbc news, melbourne. a police officer has appeared before east berkshire magistrates, charged over alleged inappropriate relationships with women during the course of his duties. constable oliver perry smith, who is 38 and serves with the thames vallley force, is facing three counts of misconduct in public office and two of computer misuse, relating to the police national computer. one of the biggest illegal dark net websites has gone offline, after two years of selling class a drugs, counterfeit cash and malware used to hack and disable computers. the administrators of �*torrez�* shut it down over christmas.

but, new illegal sites are popping up all the time, and research by the bbc, highlights the success of the online drugs trade. our cyber reporter, joe tidy, has that story. this is a humanist burying ground. i come up and see how the tree is doing, give it a kick, tell him off. clare campbell's16—year—old son luke died after taking strong ecstasy tablets at a youth disco. what was luke like as a person? but he didn't have a bad bone in his body. he was naughty and cheeky, but he, there was nothing nasty about him. there was no maliciousness. luke's friends bought the pills from a marketplace on the dark net. dark net markets are a small and often overlooked part of the drugs economy. these sites only accessible through special internet browsing software have been a thorn in the side of the police for a decade now. and over christmas, an interesting development. torrez, one of the largest marketplaces in the world, closed down after two years. a polite notice was posted

to customers and sellers. torrez is the latest dark market to close down before police could take action. but even when the authorities do take down marketplaces, the effect on the drugs trade is often short lived, as bbc research highlights. we studied the activity of thousands of dark net dealers. at least 450 have survived multiple police take—downs. in fact, one dealer, perhaps the uk's most prolific, has now appeared on 21 different marketplaces over six years. we ordered some drugs from this criminal, next generation. it was complicated and time—consuming but it highlights the complex tactics these sellers use to protect themselves. interesting. so, if you did open this box, it would look like some sort of a herbal treatment. of course, we know that's not what's in this little silver packet. this is cocaine. it's a low risk mark. it deals with a vendor on the dark web. in october, 150 people were arrested

in multiple countries including 24 in the uk. a major dark market was also closed down. the uk's nca says it's determined to turn the tide on dark net markets and has developed new cyber policing techniques to help protect the public. people hearing your story and hearing you talk about it might be confused as to why the trauma that you've been through has led you down the path of. why are we not anti—drugs and angry and demanding prison sentences? yes. because, a, it won't bring luke back. but b, that's not the way forward. there's no point being angry with people because they're none not luke, not his friends, not the dark web. claire is now calling for the decriminalisation and regulation of all areas of the drugs trade, including the dark net. joe tidy, bbc news, in devon. and you can hearfrom a teenager who buys drugs from the darknet, in tonight's file on 4, at 8pm on bbc radio 4, and later, on bbc sounds. a local council has apologised

to a couple, and agreed to pay them a five figure settlement, over a failed adoption. sonny and sarita seemak, spent three years fighting to get back a little boy they planned to adopt, after he was wrongly removed by bradford children's services. that department is currently under investigation, after the death of the toddler star hobson, in 2020, murdered by her mother's partner. sanchia berg has more details. toddler babbles. can you give it to mummy? huh? one of sonny and sarita simak�*s cherished videos of the little boy they planned to adopt. he is still in care, so we can't show his face. he'sjust a joy. he's a delight. a lovely little boy. and, yeah, we love him. i don't know what else to say. was it a shock then when bradford contacted you to say they were taking him away from your care? we were told about three days before his second birthday, we were given about 12 hours' notice that the little boy is going to be

taken away from us the next day. and we tried, we called everyone, we pleaded with them but nobody really listened to our voice, and then they came in the morning and took him away from us. and why did they say they were taking him away? at that time, when he was taken, before he was taken, we didn't really get any answers apart from that they don't think the placement is going to work long—term. that was more than three years ago. they challenged the decision, the council apologised, an independent social worker decided the boy should return to the couple, as did an adoption panel. but in april last year, the council changed its approach after another assessment. the little boy will stay in foster care. we don't believe that's the right place for him to be, and we've always believed that, that's why we fought on for him. he thrived in an adoption placement with us, he loved having a mummy and daddy and he was doing

really well in... sorry. so you would like to have him back? we would love to have him back. absolutely. there is still part of us who have hope that he would come back to us. the simaks prepared to go to court, though they knew a judge could not make the council change its position. but before any hearing, bradford accepted all their claims and offered a significant sum in damages and costs. long—term foster placements can be appropriate for some children. bradford told us they could not comment on an individual case. they said decisions about long—term placements can involve a number of different assessments and they would continue to engage with the couple. the couple's lawyer is an adoption specialist and he says he has never seen a case like this. bradford children's services are currently under investigation by the department for education, and sonny and sarita hope their case

can be taken into account. that investigation followed the murder of a toddler in 2020. it is due to report later this month. sanchia berg, bbc news. species from around the world that "hitch a lift" on ships, like mussels or crabs, are threatening antarctica's marine ecosystem. a study by the university of cambridge, tracked vessels which regularly visit the isolated region, and found unwanted visitors on board vessels, disrupted the habitat and local wildlife. our science correspondent, victoria gill, has that story. a land of extremes and a haven for marine life. but visitors could be bringing some unwelcome creatures to this frozen place. by tracking global shipping, researchers discovered that antarctica is visited by vessels that come from 1,500 ports all over the world for research, tourism and fishing. those ships, scientists say,

bring potentially destructive species into this unique ecosystem. ships that visit antarctica don't just have, you know, one home port that they visit and go back and forth. these ships travel all around the world, so that was really surprising. and in terms of invasive species, that means that almost anywhere in the world could be a potential source for new species visiting antarctica. antarctica's wildlife has been isolated for millions of years. but marine species like mussels, barnacles and crabs clinging to ships' hulls could harm or completely displace that native wildlife. on the antarctic island of south georgia, invasive rats brought by whaling ships threatened colonies of seabirds by devouring their eggs. a rat eradication mission dropping tonnes of poisoned bait has been declared a success, but it took nearly five years and cost £10 million.

the burgeoning antarctic tourist industry is a key area of concern. got to wash our boots. we don't want to be taking anything onto the antarctic mainland that should not be there. when we explored its impact back in 2016, almost 40,000 people travelled to the antarctic. in the 2019 season, nearly 70,000 tourists visited. the british antarctic survey is calling for stricter biosecurity, for ships that visit antarctic waters for any reason to be screened and cleaned more frequently. they're measures to protect what the scientists say is the last pristine coast on earth. victoria gill, bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather. good evening, it was northern part of the uk that saw some giant returning today. there will be big differences north or south across a

week through much of scotland and northern ireland. it's going to be mild, generally dry and breezy. england and wales with lighter winds. will find frost and increasingly misty conditions. this was the picture in guilford sorry today. more southern parts of the uk we were stuck with a lot of local cloud, rain and drizzle as well. that is pulling away southeastward and eventually moving out of the way, clear skies following from the north. northwoods is more of a breeze, particularly bringing cloud into northern and western parts of scotland. other parts of scotland and northern ireland will turn quite chilly. but across england and wales with those clearing skies and light winds that will find a frost. not only a frost will be some fog forming as well tonight that will linger into tomorrow morning for that this is a main area covered by this yellow warning from the vet office with a busy road in this area and that fog will be dense and patchy so travelling will be difficult overnight and into tomorrow morning. that followed only slowly lifting. many parts of the uk outside of the fog it'll be dry. the

be some sunshine around, more of a breeze as you had further north still that will bring more clout into northern and western scotland, they will be drier than it was today. the highest temperatures will be across northern parts of scotland, struggling a bit across parts of england and wales after that misty, foggy start. miles across the more northern parts of the uk particularly northern scotland because we got this run of wins from the atlantic bringing that milder air. around the top of the area of high pressure and it's underneath that high—pressure we stagnating air and light winds that we will fight more fog forming overnight and into thursday morning. more widespread fog across england and wales, notjust across parts of midlands, southern england but perhaps other parts of wales and up towards parts of northern england. again, that will be slow to clear, some patches could linger into the afternoon. outside of the fog some sunshine. again more clout coming into northern and western scotland, perhaps a little bit of rain and similar temperatures mild but underneath that mist and fog with low cloud temperatures won't be far

above freezing. we still have high pressure and charges we head towards the end of the week. probably building a little bit further north so the winds will be a strong and scotland and much lighter winds and northern ireland. could be patches of fog here but it's mainly across england and wales that will see more widespread mist, fog and low cloud only very slowly lifting, underneath thatis only very slowly lifting, underneath that is a cold day for that once again with that the highest temperatures in the far north of scotland with a little bit of rain.

at six — mounting pressure on the prime minister to explain why a party took place at downing street during the height of lockdown. borisjohnson and his wife carrie are understood to have attended the drinks in the garden in may 2020 — around 100 people were invited. i apologise again unreservedly for the upset that these allegations have caused. there's no need for an investigation into this simple central question today — did the prime minister attend the event in the downing street garden? when the party took place the streets were still empty — the rules said you could only meet one person from another household.